Frequency of use is one of the key factors affecting the service life of diamond sharpening rods. If it is used frequently in the kitchen, such as professional chefs who have to sharpen multiple knives every day, the wear rate of the sharpening rod will be significantly accelerated. In contrast, home users use it less frequently, maybe once a week or even several weeks, and its service life will be relatively long. Because each time it is used, the friction between the diamond particles and the knife will cause a certain degree of loss. The more frequently it is used, the greater the accumulated loss, and the shorter the life of the sharpening rod.
Knives of different materials have different degrees of wear on diamond sharpening rods. Knives with higher hardness, such as high carbon steel and stainless steel, will produce greater friction and pressure on the sharpening rod during the sharpening process, and more sharpening times are required to achieve the ideal sharpness, which will accelerate the wear of the sharpening rod. Knives with relatively low hardness, such as ceramic knives (although ceramic knives are generally not recommended to be sharpened with diamond sharpening rods, they may also come into contact with them in some cases), have relatively less wear on the sharpening rod. However, it should be noted that even knives with lower hardness will also affect the service life of the sharpening rod if they are sharpened too many times.
The correct sharpening method is essential to extend the service life of the diamond sharpening rod. When sharpening, a stable angle and appropriate pressure should be maintained to allow the sharpening rod to fully and evenly contact the knife. If the sharpening angle is unstable, the sharpening rod will be severely worn locally, affecting the overall service life. At the same time, excessive force is not advisable. Excessive pressure will cause the diamond particles to fall off or wear prematurely, reducing the performance of the sharpening rod. In addition, the speed of sharpening back and forth should also be moderate. Too fast a speed may generate too much heat, which will have an adverse effect on the material of the sharpening rod and shorten its life.
Daily maintenance has a direct impact on the life of the diamond sharpening rod. After use, the sharpening rod should be rinsed with clean water in time to remove metal debris and impurities on the surface to prevent these substances from remaining and corroding the sharpening rod. After cleaning, wipe it dry to prevent long-term residual moisture from causing rust or shedding of the diamond coating. When storing, choose a dry and ventilated place and avoid placing it together with other sharp or hard objects to avoid collision damage. Check the sharpening rod regularly to see if there is obvious wear or damage. If so, take appropriate measures in time, such as reducing the frequency of use or replacing a new sharpening rod.
The quality of diamond sharpening rods varies, and the quality of the product itself is also an important factor in determining its service life. High-quality sharpening rods use high-quality diamond coating or inlay technology. The diamond particles are evenly distributed and firmly bonded. They can withstand greater friction and pressure and are not easy to fall off and wear. However, inferior sharpening rods may have problems such as diamond particles falling off and coating peeling after a few uses, which seriously affects the service life. Therefore, when purchasing, choose well-known brands and products with guaranteed quality. Although the price may be relatively high, in the long run, it can save replacement costs and has a higher cost-effectiveness.
The use environment will also have a certain impact on the service life of diamond sharpening rods. In a humid environment, the sharpening rod is prone to rust, which will not only affect its appearance, but also cause the adhesion of diamond particles to decrease and accelerate wear. If there is a lot of dust in the environment, dust may be mixed between the sharpening rod and the tool, adding additional friction and causing damage to the sharpening rod. In addition, an environment with too high or too low temperature may also affect the material of the sharpening rod, causing changes in its performance and thus affecting its service life.
The matching products will also indirectly affect the service life of the diamond sharpening rod. For example, using a suitable sharpening oil can form a protective film between the knife and the sharpening rod, reducing friction and wear. If an inappropriate lubricant is used or no lubricant is used at all, the friction during sharpening will increase, and the wear of the sharpening rod will also increase. In addition, if the auxiliary tools such as the knife holder used with the sharpening rod are of poor quality and cannot stably fix the knife during the sharpening process, it will also lead to poor sharpening results, increase the number of sharpening times, and thus shorten the service life of the sharpening rod.
