- Safety First: Safety goggles and gloves are a must. Even though the process is safe, it’s always best to take precautions when dealing with batteries and sharp objects.
- Preparation: Ensure the battery is disconnected from any power source (if you’re using a car battery). You’ll only be using the terminals, not the electricity.
- The Sharpening Process: Take your knife and gently draw the edge along the negative terminal of the battery. You’ll want to maintain the angle you’d normally use on a sharpening stone—usually around 20 degrees. Do this about five to ten times on each side of the blade.
- The Science Bit: The idea is that the lead from the battery’s terminal aids in realigning the knife’s edge at a microscopic level. While it’s not technically “sharpening,” it can significantly improve the blade’s cutting efficiency.
- Finishing Touches: After running your knife along the terminal, give it a few swipes on a honing rod or leather strop to polish the edge and remove any burrs.
Why It Works
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