Q1. Which type of EZE-LAP diamond sharpening steel should I use round or oval?

Answer

The round diamond steel is preferred by the trade professionals and the informed connoisseur who wants to sharpen using the normal “butcher” action. The round shaft does not require twisting of the shaft to align it against the blade and provides a better shape in the leading edge of the blade. It can be used in the “butchers” action and the simple circular motion. It fits easily into kitchen knife blocks and can be also used in sharpening serrated knives.

Some people find the shape and the shaft size of the oval diamond sharpening steels easier to use as the wider surface of the shaft creates a larger surface area for sharpening.

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Q2. What size should I use?

Answer

The 26cm round diamond shaft is preferred by trade professionals and discerning users for all chef, kitchen, butcher, abattior and fish processing needs.

The 20cm round diamond shaft is ideal for the discerning user for all kitchen, farm and fishing needs.

The 30cm oval diamond shaft is ideal for butcher, abattoir and fish processing needs where longer knives are used.

The 25cm oval diamond shaft is ideal for all food processing and domestic use.

The 13cm oval diamond shaft is ideal for workshop, sporting, hunting, fishing and camping use. Its convenient size will fit easily into a toolbox, backpack and tackle box.

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Q3. Which grade diamond should I select, fine or superfine?

Answer

We feel that 98% of all sharpening can be performed by the fine (600 grit). At this grade the abrasive ability can effectively sharpen a dull knife in less than a minute, bringing the edge to a razor finish. There are however some professional sharpening needs that require the ultimate in a polished finish. The superfine (1200grit) will give you the state-of-the-art final finish.

The Fine (600 grit) grade is recommended for:

• General domestic kitchen, sporting, fishing and hunting use.
• Professional use where sharpening is required.

The Superfine (1200grit) is designed for final finish and polishing the edge in:

• Food processing, fish processing, professional hunting and fishing trades
• Chef use.

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Q4. Do I need an EZE-LAP diamond plate if I'm already using a diamond steel?

Answer

For domestic use, a diamond steel will sharpen all kitchen knives and therefore a diamond sharpening plate is not required. However in the butchering abattoir, food processing and professional cooking arenas a diamond steel in fine or superfine and or a diamond plate is used depending on the preference and method of sharpening.

The chef, processor or boner may require the use of a normal polishing steel (non diamond surface) used in conjunction with a diamond steel or plate. In this case the diamond plate is used as an alternative to the traditional oilstone and the normal polishing steel can be used to just straighten the blade edge.

A diamond plate is ideal in the situation where you want to sharpen both knives and tools like chisels, planers etc.

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Q5. How long will EZE-LAP sharpeners last?

Answer

In normal domestic use EZELAP diamond sharpeners will last over 10 years. The EZE-LAP surface is an abrasive therefore it will wear out eventually, However its been our experience that customers tend to lose them before they will wear out!

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Q6. Why does the EZE-LAP surface initially feel rough but eventually become smooth?

Answer

All EZE-LAP products start off a little rough to the touch, this is just the result of the manufacturing process where some of the diamonds are still “proud” of the locking substrate. After a short usage time the surface will become very smooth. This is the way they need to be! In fact, the smoother they feel the better they will work, the diamonds will remove metal to create a sharp edge and the locking substrate will polish the edge at the same time.

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Q7. What maintenance is required to keep my EZE-LAP diamond sharpener in top condition?

Answer

EZE-LAP diamond sharpeners require regular cleaning with detergent and water to clean out the pores of the abrasive. Turps, CRC or WD40 can also be used. If EZE-LAP products are used in fishing, the surface needs to be rinsed clean of salty water and sprayed with CRC or WD 40 to prevent rusting.

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Q8. What is the best way to use a diamond sharpening steel ?

Answer

Lay the blade edge flat on the shaft (round or oval) lift the spine of the blade just enough so the back of the blade will not get scratched (approx 7–10° this will depend on the existing angle on the blade).

Start with a firm pressure using an up and down or circular motion along the entire blade edge.

Progressively use a lighter pressure to polish the edge.

If the blade just requires a “touch up” use a very light pressure or a “ licking” action to hone the blade edge.

The normal butcher action can be used if you are comfortable with this method.

Try to maintain a low angle on the knife as this will prevent a “shoulder” forming on the edge.

Click here for further information on sharpening techniques.

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