DETAIL
■Item Description■
3.9 x 0.7 x 0.6 inches (100 x 18 x 16 mm)
0.5 oz (14g),
Resin
・About this item
This is an Angle Guide for double-bevel knives, including santoku, chef's, and Nakiri knives. However, it's generally not used for narrow-bladed petty or fruit knives, even if they have double-bevel edges. It is also not suitable for single-bevel knives.
Additionally, it is not recommended for black-finished knives (Kurouchi) or hand-forged knives with pronounced hammer marks. The uneven thickness caused by the hammer marks can lead to inconsistent sharpening angles.
・What all Knife Sharpening Angle Guides, regardless of brand or model, have in common.
"If you use it, it wears out."
Angle guides also get polished by grinding wheels, so they wear out with use. Few companies disclose how long they can be used, but KAI provided me with the answer. It depends on how you sharpen, the blade material, and the type of whetstone, but it seems that an average of about 20 knives can be sharpened while maintaining the ideal 15-degree angle recommended for whetstone sharpening.
"The angle guide may scratch the knife."
Both stainless steel angle guides and resin angle guides can be masked on the knife before attaching the guide to the knife to reduce the chance of scratching, though this does not prevent it 100%. Note that black knives called Kurouchi may have the surface layer peeled off by the masking tape.
"What to do if you really don't want to scratch the knife."
Practice with an angle guide on an inexpensive knife. As you repeat the process, you will get a feel for it. Before you know it, you will be able to sharpen well without the angle guide.
・What is KAI Corporation?
KAI Corporation, located in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan, is one of the most renowned kitchen knife companies in Japan. They manufacture and sell a wide range of kitchen knives, from affordable options to high-end knives like the Shun series. Additionally, they offer various other cutlery items, including nail clippers, scissors, and peelers.
