Gerber knives are known for their sharpness and sleek design, made with high-quality steel that holds an edge for a long time. Still, even the best knives will dull after cutting through boxes, ropes, or food. Many people hesitate to sharpen their Kershaw for fear of scratching the finish or damaging the blade edge. With the right tool, though, sharpening is simple and safe for the knife.

Why Gerber Knives Need Special Care

Gerber makes many types of knives. Some have smooth edges, and others have serrated edges that look like little saws. Some have special coatings on the blade to prevent rust or to look cool. Using a giant grinding wheel or a cheap pull-through sharpener can remove too much metal. It can also leave ugly scratches on the side of the blade. To keep a Gerber looking new, a sharpener that only touches the very edge of the blade is necessary.

The Secret to a Perfect Edge

The secret to sharpening is using a material that is harder than the knife itself. A Block sharpener uses heat-treated D2 steel. This steel is very tough. In fact, these honing rods are much harder than any factory-made knife. When the knife slides against the D2 steel, the sharpener realigns the edge. This process makes the knife sharp again without grinding away the whole blade. It creates a smooth finish without leaving nicks or burrs.

 

Handheld knife sharpener

New patent handheld knife sharpener made to reline and hone blades.

Steps to Sharpen a Smooth Gerber Blade

Sharpening a smooth blade is simple when following these steps:

How to Handle Serrated Edges

Many Gerber knives have serrations. These are the “teeth” on the blade. Most sharpeners cannot touch these teeth properly. However, the design of a Block sharpener allows it to reach into those small grooves.

To sharpen a serrated Gerber:

Protecting the Finish of the Knife

The “finish” is the paint or coating on the metal. To keep this finish perfect, only the very tip of the edge should touch the sharpener. Because the rods on a Block sharpener are positioned at a specific angle, the sides of the knife stay safe. No metal shavings will fly up and scratch the logo or the coating on the Gerber blade.

Why D2 Steel Matters

Not all sharpening rods are the same. Some are made of ceramic or soft steel. If the sharpener is softer than the knife, the knife will actually damage the sharpener. Because Gerber uses 154cm
D2, 440,420, 154CM
N680
S30V steel, a tool with heat-treated D2 steel is the best choice to get them sharp. It is strong enough to sharpen the edge of a Gerber over and over again for many years.

Keeping the Knife Sharp Longer

After sharpening, it is important to take care of the knife.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Will sharpening leave scratches on the side of the blade?

No. If used correctly, the sharpening rods only touch the narrow edge of the blade. This keeps the rest of the knife finish looking brand new.

  1. Can this be used on Gerber pocketknives and kitchen knives?

Yes. Any Gerber knife, whether it is a small folding pocketknife or a large kitchen knife, can be sharpened using this method.

  1. What is a “burr,” and does this sharpener create them?

A burr is a tiny, rough piece of metal that sticks out like a wire after sharpening. A Block sharpener is designed to hone the edge smoothly, which helps prevent nicks and burrs from forming.

  1. How many times should the knife be pulled through the sharpener?

For a knife that is just a little dull, 5 to 10 pulls are usually enough. If the knife is very dull, it might take a few more.

  1. Is it hard to learn how to use the sharpener?

No. See website on the sharpener handle for how to videos. It is designed to be very simple. Even someone who has never sharpened a knife before can get a professional edge in just a minute.

Get the Best Tool for the Job

To keep every Gerber knife in the collection in perfect condition, choose a tool that is built to last. The Block Sharpener is made in America and uses high-quality D2 steel to ensure every blade stays razor-sharp without any damage.

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