I’ve used different knives over the last 18 years as a hunter and I always had one question in mind i.e. what is the sharpest knife in the world. I have asked my dad, friends and many other people but I get vague answers from them and they couldn’t clear my doubt.
One day I decided that I’ll find the answer on my own. I spent a lot of time reading various forums, watching numerous videos and finally got the answer.
I know many people would have the same question in mind and I’ll discuss it in a moment. Before that, it is very crucial to understand the definition of “sharpest”.
What Do I Mean By the “Sharpest”?
I’m referring to something too tiny for the eyes. We measure it in micrometers (equal to one millionth of a meter). That’s literally thinner than human hair.
The only problem with having the so-called “sharpest knife in the world” is it is too delicate for everyday use.
Specifications of a Sharp Knife
Each knife type needs to have certain characteristics to get the tag of “a sharp knife.”
For example,
- A bread knife needs a serrated blade of 15cm long.
- A meat knife should have about 20mm in width.
- To cut vegetables, you need a knife with a maximum thickness of 1.5mm.
Can a meat knife cut vegetables? Maybe, yes. But you have to put extra pressure to cut them and the blades may also chip during the process.
Which is the sharpest knife in the world?
A knife made with an Obsidian blade is the sharpest knife in the world. This blade is made of silicon and is about 3 nanometres thick.
Though this blade has the title of being the sharpest, it is extremely brittle. Once you drop it, it’ll break immediately. If you try to cut something by pushing a little hard, it’ll break immediately.
Only surgeons use this blade for specific tasks that need ultra-precise cuts. The average price of this knife is $50 and the premium model may cost up to $200. I have only one knife with this blade from OUTDOOR EDGE and I have only kept it to showcase.
Why are Obsidian blades impractical for everyday use?
- A practical knife should be able to cut a fruit, vegetable or a delivery package, but this blade is extremely thin and can’t do that.
- Due to its thin profile, the durability of the blade is very short.
- Even If you try to cut anything with it, it chips easily.
- Due to extreme brittleness, cleaning this blade is a difficult task.
- Even with normal use, the blades get dull quickly.
- Sharpening this blade is very hard due to its edge profile.
What Should You Buy Instead?
Instead of going with the so-called world’s sharpest knife, get a Japanese knife, as they are known for their extreme sharpness.
Things you can expect from a Japanese knife:
- Special steels.
- Traditional forging methods.
- Modern technology.
- Careful hand-finishing.
- Easy to maintain.
- High durability.
These knives have a perfect balance of sharpness and everyday use.
A high-quality Japanese knife made out of stainless steel will let you cut meat, bones, and fruit with ease compared to obsidian knives.
A decent Japanese knife would cost you anywhere between $50 and $200. If you want a custom-made Japanese knife, it’ll usually cost around $300, and it can go up to $700 depending on the customization level.
Some of the top japanese brands I would recommend from my experience are:
- Miyabi.
- Shun.
- Kikuichi.
- Yoshihiro Cutlery.
- Made In Cookware.
How to keep the Sharpness of a Knife
- Use sharpening tools: Use them to sharpen the knife to keep the knife’s blade ready to perform any task. Do it once in a while to make it last longer.
- Use the right surface: It is recommended to use surfaces like plastic, polyethylene, and wood. Try avoiding surfaces like concrete, stainless steel, and aluminum to keep the blade safe.
- Clean your knife: Similar to sharpening, clean your knife once in a while, and don’t put it in places like the dishwasher.
- Keep the knife dry: Once you are done cleaning the knife, keep it safe after drying it. If you put the wet knife in, it can result in getting the bacteria, and it isn’t recommended to use a knife in such a condition.
Want to know more? Watch this video.
FAQs
1. What makes a knife the “sharpest”?
The sharpest knife should have an extremely thin edge and should be able to cut anything effortlessly at a 15-20 degree. Each knife type has a different sharpness level.
2. Is obsidian sharper than Damascus?
Yes. A true obsidian blade built with a natural volcanic glass is sharper than Damascus.
3. Can an obsidian knife break?
Yes. These knives can easily break by pushing a little extra or dropping it from the hand.
4. Can you over-sharpen a knife?
It isn’t recommended to over-sharpen your knife; it damages the blade and makes it duller.
5. Is obsidian good for knives?
They are suitable only for professions like doctors or surgeons who need a blade to detailed precision. It isn’t suitable for everyday use due to its brittleness.
Conclusion:
Unless you are a surgeon, there is no point getting a Obsidian blade knife because you can’t do much with it. Instead, give a shot to a Japanese knife that excels in both sharpness and everyday use. The best thing about the Japanese knives is, they won’t cost you a lot. You can pick up a budget-friendly depending on your requirement.
If you have any questions on the topic, please drop it in the comments and I’ll get back soon. Cheers.
