# Help me rationalize my knife collection **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [August 9, 2024, 4:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-rationalize-my-knife-collection/1005455 "2024-08-09T04:34:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 17\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![CairoCarol](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cairocarol/32/3825_2.png) [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2024, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-rationalize-my-knife-collection/1005455/41 "2024-08-16T17:39:46Z")
> [@thorny\_locust](#): > > However, @CairoCarol is nowhere near me; and I doubt it’s worth asking her to mail me a few. Well, who knows - when I’m done I can send you a photo of the discard pile and if there is anything you want and they aren’t too heavy, I’d happily send you a package. Rehoming things I don’t use is very satisfying - sure beats trashing things. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2024, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-rationalize-my-knife-collection/1005455/42 "2024-08-16T18:07:55Z")
> [@don\_t\_ask](#): > > You really only need 4 decent knives - an 8 or 10 inch chef’s knife, a serrated bread knife, a 4 inch paring knife and your cleaver. Pretty much, although I have a couple of iterations of some of those. I also have a filet knife for fish and a [bird beak paring knife](https://www.amazon.com/OAKSWARE-Peeling-Stainless-Kitchen-Ergonomic/dp/B0BBZLDX77/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2TTEUK4Q94NYV&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.1Ph-_NnqBGj7b4xVc-fwH7h8O3f5eVS_ngDx0NjlFeD81ZTDDv_Yrnf8OvCSd-Cs713CZ8BTQnLFepgT8eAI81q4WMafmVZpIHMWa1zSIexHBPlztf-fpY0p6NbqP_qXFkQUIsErGatP3w8gp7MRoZ_5MdFE2qV4wxxO9fM5M1LtRkSJoaRixDQzB0yHEJGB9qs4wTxOpgbC8QebQ8vIeueMw8Dee98q0E3Dmt6ytT8H4yOlqqkMsTAFK2sdF0HZKgTrjWyuGMAZDLKuwiiLfc7-TO1rVb2batWG9pIE3-w.Ybcj8KsxIT-y7GglJB539lr0bpHkD0snUDL543Pj5OY&dib_tag=se&keywords=curved+paring+knife&qid=1723831212&sprefix=curved+paring%2Caps%2C123&sr=8-5), which has a variety of uses, one of which is opening shipping boxes. It’s hard to get rid of a knife, especially one that is no longer viable. I had a Shun chef’s knife that I liked a lot until my wife broke the tip off trying to separate some frozen meat. I didn’t want to just toss it in the trash, as someone might injure themselves somehow. You can’t even give away a knife that damaged. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2024, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-rationalize-my-knife-collection/1005455/43 "2024-08-16T18:20:21Z")
If you do have to throw away a knife, it’s pretty easy to get some corrugated cardboard (e.g. used Amazon box) and insert the knife blade into the edge of a piece of box. Cut it a couple inches longer than the knife blade and a couple inches wider. Once the blade goes in it’ll tend to stick there. If you’re really worried about safety a few inches of any kind of tape can attach the cardboard securely to the knife handle. If the knife in its impromptu new sheath then goes directly into a trash can or dumpster it’ll be fine. It’s sharp stuff buried invisibly in plastic garbage bags which are real booby traps for the unwitting unwary. ---
**Author:** ![thorny\_locust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thorny_locust/32/431_2.png) [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2024, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-rationalize-my-knife-collection/1005455/44 "2024-08-16T20:49:24Z")
> [@CairoCarol](#): > > Well, who knows - when I’m done I can send you a photo of the discard pile and if there is anything you want and they aren’t too heavy, I’d happily send you a package. Thanks! – though I really ought to go take a look in the used-goods store, next time I’m in town when they’re open and I have the energy. There might be quite a selection in there. ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2024, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-rationalize-my-knife-collection/1005455/45 "2024-08-17T00:12:24Z")
@CairoCarol try donating them to Goodwill, or on FreeCycle. I use them all the time. One person’s junque is another person’s treasure. You never know what people will want, and it puts less into our landfills. ---
**Author:** ![CairoCarol](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cairocarol/32/3825_2.png) [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2024, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-rationalize-my-knife-collection/1005455/46 "2024-08-17T01:12:59Z")
> [@Bullitt](#): > > @CairoCarol try donating them to Goodwill, or on FreeCycle. I use them all the time. Absolutely! FreeCycle died on our island, but we have “free tables” all over. It’s a guaranteed way to divest oneself of stuff one doesn’t need anymore. We’re making heavy use of our community free table right now, and the stuff gets snapped up quickly. But it would be fun to share with a fellow Doper! ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2024, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-rationalize-my-knife-collection/1005455/47 "2024-08-17T01:25:21Z")
Maybe we start a Doper Knife Gift Exchange? haha 😛 ---
**Author:** ![smithsb](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smithsb/32/12107_2.png) [@smithsb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smithsb)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2024, 11:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-rationalize-my-knife-collection/1005455/48 "2024-08-17T11:43:24Z")
I’ll be back in Hawaii in December. Maybe we can organize a Knives Out dopefest in the New Year?! ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2024, 11:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-rationalize-my-knife-collection/1005455/49 "2024-08-17T11:57:06Z")
Just everybody remember not to try to bring their new old knives home in their carry-on luggage. ---
**Author:** ![Dogginit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dogginit/32/16920_2.png) [@Dogginit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dogginit)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2024, 12:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-rationalize-my-knife-collection/1005455/50 "2024-08-17T12:10:45Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > You can’t even give away a knife that damaged. I have had some amount of luck reshaping knives with a broken tip, and bringimg them back to a useable state. So don’t toss it, If you’re not comfortable with metal work, I’m sure you can find someone in your area who is, it’s worth a shot for a good knife. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2024, 12:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-rationalize-my-knife-collection/1005455/51 "2024-08-17T12:12:21Z")
It’s long gone, I’m afraid. I could perhaps have done something with a normal knife, but those knives are really thin and brittle. ---
**Author:** ![Tibby](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tibby/32/17030_2.png) [@Tibby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tibby)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2024, 12:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-rationalize-my-knife-collection/1005455/52 "2024-08-17T12:20:01Z")
We have a local hardware store (Ace) that professionally sharpens knives (~ $7/knife) using [this system](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsU6snqqEI0&t=1s). I have them sharpen my good knives about once per year. I use a whetstone and honing steel in between visits. The sharpener is very knowledgeable about knives and can tell you which of your knives are worth sharpening. You should call your local hardware stores and see if any offer a similar service. ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2024, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-rationalize-my-knife-collection/1005455/53 "2024-08-23T18:47:29Z")
That Resharp sharpening machine looks pretty nice. And it reminded me… About 10 years ago here on The Dope there was a discussion about knives and/or sharpening them and someone here — don’t recall who — recommended a Chef’sChoice machine. I’ve had it ever since and it does a decently nice job. Between that machine and a good diamond sharpening stone, plus an old fashioned pocket sharpening whetstone that I’ve had for decades, they meet my sharpening needs. Here is the diamond sharpening stone I have, the 8” one ➜ > **[SHARPAL 162N Double-sided Diamond Sharpening Stone Whetstone Knife Sharpener...](https://www.amazon.com/SHARPAL-Diamond-Whetstone-Storage-Sharpening/dp/B07GRWN1PV)** > > SHARPAL 162N Double-sided Diamond Sharpening Stone Whetstone Knife Sharpener |Coarse 325 / Extra Fine 1200 Grit | Storage Case with NonSlip Base & Angle Guide (8 in. x 3 in.) - Amazon.com And I actually found the old Dope thread. That was pretty easy. It was 11 years ago, and it was @Amateur_Barbarian (formerly @NitroPress) who pointed me to it. He hasn’t posted here in 5 years. Later in the thread, @beowulff and @GaryM seconded the recommendation, and that was enough for me to buy it. It was an old thread started by @Johnny_L.A , who is still active here, as are @beowulf and @GaryM. @Amateur_Barbarian provided a link for it. ➜ > [@Knife sharpeners](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/knife-sharpeners/648219/5): > > No, [this is](http://www.amazon.com/Chefs-Choice-Professional-Knife-Sharpening-Platinum/dp/B000CSK0DM/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1359042384&sr=1-1-fkmr0&keywords=chefmaster+130). Sorry, it’s Chef’s Choice, not ChefMaster. I really sound like I know what I’m talking about, right? stuck_out_tongue I meant to add that the OP could try taking one or two of his bigger knives to a store that has a 130, and see if it handles his blade thicknesses. It might. The design is flexible. It’s the Chef’sChoice 130 Professional Electric Knife Sharpening Station, and it has served me well in the last 11 years. ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2024, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-rationalize-my-knife-collection/1005455/54 "2024-08-23T18:55:39Z")
The senior center near us has a monthly visit from the travelin’ knife-sharpenin’ man. We will pay him a visit reasonably soon. Until then, our [Henkels knife sharpener](https://www.amazon.com/J-Henckels-International-Handheld-Sharpener/dp/B07GJXT272/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1EJYPATQRFMH5&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.L8YQ8RPdQkiXSttlm0pXrqrQTg_oKnS6ClxA82UFIeR1EEWyhixHAWJFNCWehmATctzoveI4k6ClKu5kUr8CR1r3AC-yI1bbXaIHi6918csWaIV4yTViRiBIvk2HBlW9vayEsOEW1ODQK55dHkV2i4tlA0Xt2de-IpJNTm92cRmhVh_gerXteDWJPmE0IHx-dXLE9gvKheL3OrI22-88FLoHcyYPPu7gLWBOZDNfRUGmIAJoV2GIozpC33ZWdYthBZudpbsqUr9zWA9cwf-xNxbQWwJkX-nMtaew364QCfY.fiLQFQZLJwTkA_Hp2kC3ma-YdLbUssdeY8MO3Z0hlV0&dib_tag=se&keywords=henckels+knives+sharpener&qid=1724439263&sprefix=henkels+knife+sharpener%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1) is sufficient for our effective but mostly inexpensive knives. ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2024, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-rationalize-my-knife-collection/1005455/55 "2024-08-23T19:02:51Z")
Yes that is a simple and effective sharpener. Not as big and clunky as my Chef’sChoice is. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2024, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-rationalize-my-knife-collection/1005455/56 "2024-08-23T19:21:39Z")
I have never had luck with knife sharpening which is very likely to my ineptitude. I had a Henkles sharpener very similar to @susan’s but it only had one slot which just made a mess. I got one of those SpyderCo Sharpmaker systems which gets rave reviews. All of the knife heads say to use that until you can master the whetstone. It was a disaster. I don’t know what the hell my problem is. Hope springs eternal so I will probably order the @Bullitt 's suggestion. ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2024, 8:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-rationalize-my-knife-collection/1005455/57 "2024-08-24T08:07:11Z")
If you do get the Chef’sChoice it will serve you well, but that is based on information that’s 11 years old. There may be better solutions available. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-rationalize-my-knife-collection/1005455.md?page=2)