Again, there is no simple answer. The perfect angle depends on the purpose of use. For example, if you want a very sharp knife, you will have to sacrifice the durability of edge holding and vice versa. Below you can find an indicative table of the angles proposed. Generally speaking, a 15-18 degree angle will work on most commercial knives. Custom knives and Japanese knives can withstand lower sharpening angles.
Type of Kitchen Knife | Typical Angles |
Cleaver | 25 – 35 Degrees |
Heavy Chef’s | 15 – 20 Degrees |
Light Chef’s / Gyuto | 10 – 15 Degrees |
Boning | 12 – 15 Degrees |
Carving | 12 – 15 Degrees |
Typical Japanese Knives | 8-14 Degrees |
Fillet | 10 – 14 Degrees |
Paring | 12 – 15 Degrees |