Thanksgiving knife sharpening

We were invited to Thanksgiving dinner at an old friends home. I thought it would be a good idea for me to show up a little early with some stones and sharpen at least the carving knife and a few others if I had time.

Knowing the host I expected the worst and I was correct. The first knife was butter knife dull and very old stainless. Early stainless knives are not known for taking a very good edge and this was gummy soft stainless. Well I got that knife into reasonable shape and then went to work on an inexpensive German style kitchen knife. After grinding away for a while to get a bevel I did finally get a very good edge on the second knife. It was my job to carve the turkey and at least I had a very sharp knife for that. I'm sure that both knives were just thrown in a drawer the next day.

Anyway my point is that given what I had to work with, this wasn't nearly as rewarding of an exercise as I had imagined. I will try this again with another friend who I suspect has much better quality knives to start with.

The host was surprised when I didn't need electricity. She thought I was going to plug something in and go zip zip.

It's a bit difficult when your at someone else's house & the knives are dull. I keep my honing cart in the kitchen & that keeps my knives ready.
I'm sure they were grateful for your effort.

If I am invited to someone's home for the holidays I am always asked to bring my knives and do the carving.

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Originally Posted by bouschie

If I am invited to someone's home for the holidays I am always asked to bring my knives and do the carving.

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I thought about bringing one of our knives 'just in case'.

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Originally Posted by bluesman7

We were invited to Thanksgiving dinner at an old friends home. I thought it would be a good idea for me to show up a little early with some stones and sharpen at least the carving knife and a few others if I had time.
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I have a carving kit that I bring over to the extended family gatherings.
I sharpen the knife at home, wash and dry and bring it over to carve the bird or steak.

Carving fork and knife... Wusthof® 2-Piece Carving Set in a metal case that makes
transport safe and easy. I line the inside with foil so I can simply wipe the knives
cleanish ... and when I get home I do a full cleaning and replace the foil. It is amazing how
greasy a turkey can be.

From time to time I do bring a pair of 6" DMTs and sharpen the house knives.
I only do this on a low or zero alcohol occasion. The risk of bad habits and cuts
multiply many fold after a couple glasses of ....

Cutting boards ... I have not allowed myself to bring one... but a good board
has great value.

You must be polite about this... carving can be a chore or a place of honor. I do the
carving in the kitchen mostly out of sight to not steal any thunder.

I too had to slick up a carving knife at the house the other day. It was a Sears "Craftsman" carving knife. Few licks on the diamond rod and it was slicing turkey like a champ. Got that knife, along with a few others, from a local Habitat for Humanity "ReStore"

It is funny you mentioned this. After using my parents knives during my last visit, I think I'm going to get them a set for Christmas.
I'm currently looking at a Henckels 4 Star 8pc set. It is forged, not stamped, but the set isn't crazy expensive.

I made the mistake of not bringing my carving set to two different Thanksgiving dinners. Last time I will make that mistake again for sure! I got handed a electric fillet knife at one function and ended up carving a ham with my EDC (Microtech LUDT) with the other.

I always take my Lipshaws in their wooden case.
Most folks have naught but serrated edges...........

Attachment 279088

I bring my own knives to Thanksgiving. First, my in-laws do not trust me to cook anything or do anything. Second, they don't have knives to sharpen. And third, my mother-in-law is convinced that sharp knives are dangerous and would NOT want her blunt edges sharpened. I only bring my own knives because I know I will be asked to carve the turkey since no one else has the slighted clue as to how to do it. But that concludes all that they are willing to allow me to contribute. I no longer offer. LOL

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Originally Posted by sharptonn

Most folks have naught but serrated edges...........

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Good grief, I didn't even think of that likely possibility. I guess I got of easy sharpening blunt 1950s stainless.

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Originally Posted by OCDshaver

And third, my mother-in-law is convinced that sharp knives are dangerous and would NOT want her blunt edges sharpened.

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I can't count the times I have heard that either before or after I have sharpened kinives for people..

Drives me bonkers

My wife resisted me wanting to sharpen 'her knife' for years. When it got to the point that she could not cut through a piece of raw chicken and I appealed "Please, let me sharpen that thing" she finally relented. Now she likes it and cannot believe how much better it works.

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Originally Posted by bluesman7

We were invited to Thanksgiving dinner at an old friends home. I thought it would be a good idea for me to show up a little early with some stones and sharpen at least the carving knife and a few others if I had time.

Knowing the host I expected the worst and I was correct. The first knife was butter knife dull and very old stainless. Early stainless knives are not known for taking a very good edge and this was gummy soft stainless. Well I got that knife into reasonable shape and then went to work on an inexpensive German style kitchen knife. After grinding away for a while to get a bevel I did finally get a very good edge on the second knife. It was my job to carve the turkey and at least I had a very sharp knife for that. I'm sure that both knives were just thrown in a drawer the next day.

Anyway my point is that given what I had to work with, this wasn't nearly as rewarding of an exercise as I had imagined. I will try this again with another friend who I suspect has much better quality knives to start with.

The host was surprised when I didn't need electricity. She thought I was going to plug something in and go zip zip.

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Nice of your to sharpen their knives. I think a lot of people forget how much easier it is to prepare food with sharp cutlery.
I don't know much about carving and wouldn't really want to be doing the whole carving/serving at the head of the table without finding out the best way to do it.


War at Home dinner scene
https://youtu.be/AZ5uaxZqFCA

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Originally Posted by gssixgun

I can't count the times I have heard that either before or after I have sharpened kinives for people..

Drives me bonkers

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And yet these are usually the same people that find cooking such a chore. Seems obvious to me. Yeah, it is a chore when it takes 30 minutes to cut up an onion. There's no point in trying to convince anyone. I mentally roll my eyes and keep my mouth shut. And anyone who knows me knows that it isn't easy for me to do so.

A while ago I bought a ceramic knife and my wife was giving me a hard time because I was playing with and sharpening it and she said you just bought that today.