How to Sharpen a Kitchen Knife

Today Jonathan suddenly decided we had to get knife sharpening tools so we don't have to rely on the man in the green truck with the bell any more. We headed to the local hardware store, where he spent $12.49 plus tax on a sharpening stone and a further $22.99 plus tax on what he calls a steel, a rod with a handle that allows for an even finer edge. We had to order that; it will be in on Wednesday. (He says there is also a special steel for corrugated knives, but they're "rather dear".)

As soon as we got home, he sharpened all the kitchen knives on the stone, which you place on a bar towel and wet rather lavishly with water. (There are also stones that take oil.) The video below demonstrates his technique. Jonathan says: "Thanks to impulse buying, we are now going to have tomato-sharp knives in perpetuity."