# Privacy statement Kato Group BV (hereafter Knivesandtools)

You know us (or want to get to know us better): we test and sell products that make our heart skip a beat and provide service as if we are the customers. For your privacy the same applies. You trust us with your information and we promise to treat it with care. As if it concerns our own privacy. How we do it? We love to explain. Are you left with any remaining questions after reading this statement? Please don’t hesitate to contact our [customer service](https://support.knivesandtools.com).

We store your information at a secure location, protected by the most modern techniques. Our employees are aware of the content of the privacy laws and will do whatever it takes to live by the rules. Not only today, but also tomorrow and next year. In addition, we will, of course, include the customer’s privacy with every new and awesome thing we introduce in the future.

We go the extra mile, as you might have learned over the years. When we work with third parties – below you will read why and when we do that – we ask of them to treat your information as carefully as we do, knowing that the information will only be used for the purpose for which it was intended. However, if, despite everything, you feel that there is room for us to improve, let us know by contacting our [customer service](https://support.knivesandtools.com).

_This statement was last amended on 24 May 2018\. The information in this statement applies to all Kato Group BV websites._

## What data do we collect?

When you order at our website we need data to make sure we can, for instance, complete the payment correctly and ship your package to the right address. Or if we need to reach you if something goes wrong with your order. We also collect cookies, but more about that later.

These are the personal data we collect:

* NAW data
* Phone number
* Invoice address
* Email address
* IP address
* Payment method
* Order history

## Customer account

Have you got an account with us? If you do you can look at your order history, manage your wish list and subscribe or unsubscribe to our newsletter. If there is anything you would like to change you can only do so for the time being by contacting our [customer service](https://support.knivesandtools.com).

## For what purpose do we collect this data?

It sounds obvious: to deliver an order we need your address, or that of the recipient. We, however, would still like to explain.

### Processing your order

* To properly process your order we use your NAW data. We store your information just in case you would like to return your products or for warranty purposes.
* If necessary we can also share your information with third parties such as our carriers to make sure your order is properly processed.

### Processing payment transactions

* To properly process the payment of your order you choose a payment method. You share the remaining information with this payment method and your bank, not with us.

### Communication

* In order to simplify the communication with regards to your offer and/or other questions, we use your contact information. This information and the contents of this communication between you and us is stored at a secure location.
* Via our web shop we always enable you to ask questions via different channels (such as chat, email, telephone and social media). You are the one to decide which information you provide when you use one of these channels.

### Execution of statutory duty

* In order to comply to our legal obligation we store your order history, including the payment details, within the set statutory period. The Tax and Customs Administrations requires us to store our administration including your invoice, payment and order history for seven years.

### Fraud prevention

* In order to prevent fraud we, if there is a legitimate interest, will use your IP address, address and payment information. In the case of an official request from an authority in the field of law and order we will share this information.

## Retention periods

The personal data will be stored as long as is necessary to process your order(s), including the guarantee, unless there is a legal obligation that requires longer storage (like the fiscal storage obligation as mentioned above).

## Disclosure to third parties

We pass on your information to our partners involved in the execution of our business. Under no circumstances are they allowed to use this information for other purposes than those stated by us. The secure transfer of your information is guaranteed by an editorial agreement between Knivesandtools and the partner in question. We are committed to this. If we are not satisfied, we will stop all cooperation.

Our web shop has been enhanced with social media buttons. These buttons will only provide a link and won’t share personal information with third parties. Because you can log in via a social media account, the social media party involved will pass on the email address that belongs to the user account.

## Security

We take technical and organisational security measures to limit abuse and unauthorised access to personal information. Our internet connection is secured with a SSL. Access to our database is restricted via secured accounts. Our employees are aware of the new privacy rules and adhere to them.

## Newsletter

We send out a weekly newsletter with which we want to inform interested parties about our products and the amazing adventures that lie ahead when you use them. During the ordering process, or via your account, you can register to our newsletter. Each newsletter contains a link you can use to unsubscribe. Sometimes we send newsletters to a smaller group of subscribers with subjects we believe not everyone is interested in.

## What we DON’T do with your information!

We DO NOT make personalized offers: the price is the same for everyone. How else do you keep things fair?

We DO NOT sell our information to third parties. We sell knives. And pans, flashlights, power banks and...

We DO NOT publish your information. In the event of a data breach it is all hands on deck to resolve the matter and, if necessary, we will inform you and the Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens (The Dutch DPA, Data Protection Authority) as soon as possible.

## Cookies

With a cookie your visit to our website will be even more fun! Cookies make sure that you don’t always have to fill out the same information when you frequently visit our website. For instance, the contents of your shopping cart will be stored for you.

If you don’t close the cookie alert but click through, we will interpret this as permission to use cookies. We have made agreements with third parties who place cookies about the use of cookies and applications. However, we do not have full control over what the providers of these applications do with the cookies when they read them. For more information on how these applications use cookies we would like to refer to the privacy statement as given by these third parties.

Visit the [cookie page](/en/ct/cookies.htm) for more information. You can always remove the cookies via the browser settings.

## Accessing and changing your data

If you have any questions regarding our privacy policy or questions about access to, changes made to (or removal of) your personal data, you can contact us at any time via the information listed below. To prevent abuse we may ask you to identify yourself adequately. We want to prevent anyone from having control over your personal information. It is best to submit your request by email.

## Don’t agree with something?

We will, of course, be happy to help you if you have any complaints about how we handle your personal information. Furthermore, we are eager to hear more about your tips and suggestions. Completely dissatisfied? Conform to the privacy legislation you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Autoriteit persoonsgegevens (Dutch DPA) against this transfer of personal information. You can contact the Autoriteit persoonsgegevens (Dutch DPA) for this purpose.

## Authority responsible

Kato Group BV is the owner of the websites:

* knivesandtools.nl
* knivesandtools.be
* knivesandtools.de
* knivesandtools.at
* knivesandtools.fr
* knivesandtools.es
* knivesandtools.it
* knivesandtools.co.uk
* knivesandtools.ie
* knivesandtools.com
* knivesandtools.dk
* knivesandtools.se
* knivesandtools.eu
* Grailerknives.com
* Skerper.nl
* Skerper.com
* Fenix-nederland.nl

Want to talk to an actual human being? Please contact our customer service department on working days at 085 888 28 80.

Prefer to send us an email? Send an email to [info@knivesandtools.com](mailto:info@knivesandtools.com).

Visiting address:
Knivesandtools | Laan van Westenenk 8 | 7336 AZ | Apeldoorn
Visiting hours on working days between 09:00 and 16:00 CET.

Postal address:
Kato Group BV | Postbus 2469 | 7302 ER Apeldoorn

# Privacy statement Kato Group BV (hereafter Knivesandtools)

You know us (or want to get to know us better): we test and sell products that make our heart skip a beat and provide service as if we are the customers. For your privacy the same applies. You trust us with your information and we promise to treat it with care. As if it concerns our own privacy. How we do it? We love to explain. Are you left with any remaining questions after reading this statement? Please don’t hesitate to contact our [customer service](https://support.knivesandtools.com).

We store your information at a secure location, protected by the most modern techniques. Our employees are aware of the content of the privacy laws and will do whatever it takes to live by the rules. Not only today, but also tomorrow and next year. In addition, we will, of course, include the customer’s privacy with every new and awesome thing we introduce in the future.

We go the extra mile, as you might have learned over the years. When we work with third parties – below you will read why and when we do that – we ask of them to treat your information as carefully as we do, knowing that the information will only be used for the purpose for which it was intended. However, if, despite everything, you feel that there is room for us to improve, let us know by contacting our [customer service](https://support.knivesandtools.com).

_This statement was last amended on 24 May 2018\. The information in this statement applies to all Kato Group BV websites._

## What data do we collect?

When you order at our website we need data to make sure we can, for instance, complete the payment correctly and ship your package to the right address. Or if we need to reach you if something goes wrong with your order. We also collect cookies, but more about that later.

These are the personal data we collect:

* NAW data
* Phone number
* Invoice address
* Email address
* IP address
* Payment method
* Order history

## Customer account

Have you got an account with us? If you do you can look at your order history, manage your wish list and subscribe or unsubscribe to our newsletter. If there is anything you would like to change you can only do so for the time being by contacting our [customer service](https://support.knivesandtools.com).

## For what purpose do we collect this data?

It sounds obvious: to deliver an order we need your address, or that of the recipient. We, however, would still like to explain.

### Processing your order

* To properly process your order we use your NAW data. We store your information just in case you would like to return your products or for warranty purposes.
* If necessary we can also share your information with third parties such as our carriers to make sure your order is properly processed.

### Processing payment transactions

* To properly process the payment of your order you choose a payment method. You share the remaining information with this payment method and your bank, not with us.

### Communication

* In order to simplify the communication with regards to your offer and/or other questions, we use your contact information. This information and the contents of this communication between you and us is stored at a secure location.
* Via our web shop we always enable you to ask questions via different channels (such as chat, email, telephone and social media). You are the one to decide which information you provide when you use one of these channels.

### Execution of statutory duty

* In order to comply to our legal obligation we store your order history, including the payment details, within the set statutory period. The Tax and Customs Administrations requires us to store our administration including your invoice, payment and order history for seven years.

### Fraud prevention

* In order to prevent fraud we, if there is a legitimate interest, will use your IP address, address and payment information. In the case of an official request from an authority in the field of law and order we will share this information.

## Retention periods

The personal data will be stored as long as is necessary to process your order(s), including the guarantee, unless there is a legal obligation that requires longer storage (like the fiscal storage obligation as mentioned above).

## Disclosure to third parties

We pass on your information to our partners involved in the execution of our business. Under no circumstances are they allowed to use this information for other purposes than those stated by us. The secure transfer of your information is guaranteed by an editorial agreement between Knivesandtools and the partner in question. We are committed to this. If we are not satisfied, we will stop all cooperation.

Our web shop has been enhanced with social media buttons. These buttons will only provide a link and won’t share personal information with third parties. Because you can log in via a social media account, the social media party involved will pass on the email address that belongs to the user account.

## Security

We take technical and organisational security measures to limit abuse and unauthorised access to personal information. Our internet connection is secured with a SSL. Access to our database is restricted via secured accounts. Our employees are aware of the new privacy rules and adhere to them.

## Newsletter

We send out a weekly newsletter with which we want to inform interested parties about our products and the amazing adventures that lie ahead when you use them. During the ordering process, or via your account, you can register to our newsletter. Each newsletter contains a link you can use to unsubscribe. Sometimes we send newsletters to a smaller group of subscribers with subjects we believe not everyone is interested in.

## What we DON’T do with your information!

We DO NOT make personalized offers: the price is the same for everyone. How else do you keep things fair?

We DO NOT sell our information to third parties. We sell knives. And pans, flashlights, power banks and...

We DO NOT publish your information. In the event of a data breach it is all hands on deck to resolve the matter and, if necessary, we will inform you and the Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens (The Dutch DPA, Data Protection Authority) as soon as possible.

## Cookies

With a cookie your visit to our website will be even more fun! Cookies make sure that you don’t always have to fill out the same information when you frequently visit our website. For instance, the contents of your shopping cart will be stored for you.

If you don’t close the cookie alert but click through, we will interpret this as permission to use cookies. We have made agreements with third parties who place cookies about the use of cookies and applications. However, we do not have full control over what the providers of these applications do with the cookies when they read them. For more information on how these applications use cookies we would like to refer to the privacy statement as given by these third parties.

Visit the [cookie page](/en/ct/cookies.htm) for more information. You can always remove the cookies via the browser settings.

## Accessing and changing your data

If you have any questions regarding our privacy policy or questions about access to, changes made to (or removal of) your personal data, you can contact us at any time via the information listed below. To prevent abuse we may ask you to identify yourself adequately. We want to prevent anyone from having control over your personal information. It is best to submit your request by email.

## Don’t agree with something?

We will, of course, be happy to help you if you have any complaints about how we handle your personal information. Furthermore, we are eager to hear more about your tips and suggestions. Completely dissatisfied? Conform to the privacy legislation you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Autoriteit persoonsgegevens (Dutch DPA) against this transfer of personal information. You can contact the Autoriteit persoonsgegevens (Dutch DPA) for this purpose.

## Authority responsible

Kato Group BV is the owner of the websites:

* knivesandtools.nl
* knivesandtools.be
* knivesandtools.de
* knivesandtools.at
* knivesandtools.fr
* knivesandtools.es
* knivesandtools.it
* knivesandtools.co.uk
* knivesandtools.ie
* knivesandtools.com
* knivesandtools.dk
* knivesandtools.se
* knivesandtools.eu
* Grailerknives.com
* Skerper.nl
* Skerper.com
* Fenix-nederland.nl

Want to talk to an actual human being? Please contact our customer service department on working days at 085 888 28 80.

Prefer to send us an email? Send an email to [info@knivesandtools.co.uk](mailto:info@knivesandtools.co.uk).

Visiting address:
Knivesandtools | Laan van Westenenk 8 | 7336 AZ | Apeldoorn
Visiting hours on working days between 09:00 and 16:00 CET.

Postal address:
Kato Group BV | Postbus 2469 | 7302 ER Apeldoorn | The Netherlands

Privacy statement

**Skerper Basic sharpening set 180/600/1000/3000 with ceramic sharpening steel, SH004**

From €63,95 
**Now €44,75**

This deal is only valid today (until the 12th of July CEST 00:00), while stocks last.

Free Skerper Basic sharpening pen worth €14.95

Free Skerper Pocket Stone sharpening stone worth €14.95

Free Skerper Dressing Stone worth € 12,95

Skerper Glass Stones are sharpening stones that offer razor-sharp results. The sharpening stones work according to the Splash & Go principle. Simply put: add a splash of water and you are good to go. The sharpening stones are made from top-quality aluminium oxide to ensure they have a long lifespan, and they are easy to use and provide the best results.

Skerper Glass Stones

Skerper Glass Stones

With Skerper sharpening products you make sure your knives are razor-sharp again! From the Skerper Basic sharpening stones to the Skerper Professional sharpening stones: sharpening has never been this practical and cost-effective. It doesn't matter if you're new to sharpening or if you have years of experience: Skerper has something for everyone!

Skerper 

Skerper

The Skerper Arkansas natural sharpening stones come from the mountains of the American state carrying the same name. The stones are mined, cut to size and expertly flattened. There are various versions of these Arkansas stones, in five different grit sizes. From restoring to polishing the edge: with Skerper Arkansas natural stones you will have the right sharpening stone for each step in the sharpening process.

Skerper Arkansas

Skerper Arkansas

The Skerper Basic series offers everything you need to successfully sharpen your knives. From practical whetstones with multiple grit sizes to a diamond sharpening steel. The Skerper Basic products have an excellent price-quality ratio and are suitable for both amateur and advanced sharpeners.

Skerper Basic

Skerper Basic

The Skerper Professional sharpening stones make it possible for anyone to achieve professional sharpening results. These sharpening stones are efficient and very hard. This ensures they hardly wear out, and your knife won't 'bite' into the stone as quickly. This makes sharpening easier and more enjoyable. The stones are big enough that you can easily sharpen bigger kitchen knives as well. The thickness of the stones guarantees a long lifespan. Skerper Professional water sharpening stones will last for many years!

Skerper Professional

Skerper Professional

Want your knife to slice like a hot knife through butter? You can achieve this with Skerper Stropping. These strops are the perfect finishing touch for your blades. They remove the last imperfections of the edge and give your knife that mirror-smooth polish. Whether you're a chef keeping your kitchen utensils at peak performance or an outdoor enthusiast who wants your pocket knife razor sharp, Skerper offers the tools to keep your knives in top condition. From compact pocket strops to extensive compound sets, with Skerper you can achieve next-level sharpness.

Skerper Stropping

Skerper Stropping

**Skerper Basic sharpening set 180/600/1000/3000 with ceramic sharpening steel, SH004**

From £58.95 
**Now £41.25**

This deal is only valid today (until the 12th of July CEST 00:00), while stocks last.

Deal of the Day

Are you looking for the best sharpening products for the best price? Look no further! At this page you will find the best sharpening deals. You will find sharpening stones, sharpening systems, knife sharpeners, sharpening accessories and more from brands such as Chef'sChoice, Edge Pro, Naniwa, Shapton and Skerper. The range varies from time to time so keep an eye out for this page!

Sharpening deals

Free Skerper Pocket Stone sharpening stone worth £13

KA-BAR USSF

Free Skerper Basic sharpening pen worth £13

CRKT M21

KA-BAR

Fällkniven sharpening

CRKT Provoke

Fällkniven pocket knives

CRKT CEO

Fällkniven S1 knives

CRKT neck knives

CRKT M16

CRKT Pilar

KA-BAR USMC

## How do you sharpen hedge shears?

Sharpening always starts with good preparation. Clean the knives first, how to do this is explained later in this article. Check the blade for any damage. Depending on the state of the blade, decide whether you will sharpen by hand, or whether an electric sharpener is needed for heavier work.

## What types of hedge shears exist?

There are different types of hedge shears, and that also determines how best to sharpen them:

* **Sharpening regular hedge shears**: The easiest way to do this is as above, using a sharpening stone or file. 
* **Electric hedge shears**: These often have a lot of small serrations, or teeth. Sharpen the teeth, one by one with a file or flat small sharpening stone. 

Want to learn more about sharpening different types of garden tools? Check out our tips on sharpening garden tools.

## Which sharpening tools are recommended for hedge shears?
For most hedge shears, a sharpening stone with a medium/coarse grit size will be sufficient. Preferably choose a compact sharpening stone that fits well in your hand, so you can move along the edge in a controlled way. A good example is the [Skerper Pocket Stone](kato://product/SVSO003). 

An alternative is an electric knife sharpener, such as the [Work Sharp Ken Onion 2](kato://product/WSKTS-KO2-I) This is especially useful if your hedge shears are very dull, you have a lot of hedge hears to sharpen or just want quick results.

**Please note**: hedge shears don't need the same level of sharpness as kitchen knives. A course to medium grit size (for example, 200 to 600 grit) will usually be sufficient. This will remove burrs and damage fairly quickly.

26 years ago, it all started with a love for Next Level Gear.
More than two decades later, that same passion has only grown stronger. Knivesandtools has become the specialist in knives, awesome gear and outdoor products. And that’s thanks to everyone who has ever bought, sharpened, tested or used one of our products with joy. That’s why we’re celebrating this anniversary with six days full of discounts, gifts and surprises.

From Sunday 26 October until Friday 31 October, a different category takes the spotlight each day.
Keep an eye on our website over the coming days for the best deals!

## Sunday 26 October – Back to where it all began

Our first love? Pocket knives.
That’s where it all started. And if there’s one thing that hasn’t changed in 26 years, it’s our appreciation for a good pocket knife. One that grows with you, collects stories and is always ready for use.

That’s why we’re kicking off our anniversary week with:

Free #OneKnifeStand with every pocket knife order over €75
while stocks last

But in those 26 years, we haven’t stopped at pocket knives alone. Over the years, many more categories have been added. This year, our newest pride: Woodworking.

10% off all Woodworking tools

From our first category to our newest — a beautiful bridge between then and now.

## Monday 27 October – Sharpening stones

Anyone who uses knives knows sharpening is part of the deal. Even the best knife needs a little care now and then. On Monday 27 October, you’ll get 15% off all sharpening stones — the perfect time to get your knives and your sharpening skills back in top shape.

## Tuesday 28 October – Multitools

A multitool is one of those pieces of gear you only miss when you don’t have it with you. Compact, smart and always useful. On Tuesday 28 October, get 10% off all multitools.

## Wednesday 29 October – Axes

Whether you’re splitting firewood or working on a bushcraft project, a sharp axe makes all the difference. With a well-honed edge, chopping becomes almost relaxing.
That’s why on Wednesday 29 October, for every axe order over €70, you’ll receive a free Skerper axe sharpening stone, while stocks last.

## Thursday 30 October – Knife sets

With the holidays just around the corner and all those festive dinners coming up, a good knife set is essential. On Thursday, October 30th, all knife sets on [this page](kato://category/kitchenknifesets) are available with 10% off.

## Friday 31 October – Halloween special: flashlights

We’re ending our celebration week with light in the darkness. On this spooky day, a reliable light is a must. So we’re offering 10% off all flashlights.
Whether you’re going for an evening walk, upgrading your camping kit or just want to be ready for mysterious noises in the dark: today is your day.

## How it works

Every day, a new deal appears on Knivesandtools.com. Discount codes are published on the website and apply to the selected category on the date mentioned.
The promotions are visible on the website, in the newsletter and on social media. Some deals are limited, so early birds get the best bargains!

There are many different types and sizes of sharpening stones. In this topic we discuss what materials are used to produce sharpening stones and what the (dis)advantages of these materials are. As such you can decide which material will suit you best. Let's start with the short version. Are you interested? If so continue reading to find out more in the extended version!

## In a nutshell:

Sharpening stones can be divided into two categories. Natural sharpening stones and synthetic sharpening stones. Natural sharpening stones are just that, natural stones. These stones were taken from a quarry. Synthetic sharpening stones can be comprised of different materials. The synthetic materials used most often for sharpening stones are ceramics and diamond. Of course each material has its pros and cons.

## Natural sharpening stones

Natural sharpening stones are specific stones that were directly taken from a mountain, cut up into straight pieces and wrapped for shipment. Examples of natural sharpening stones are the [Ardennes coticule](kato://content/migrated_pageid_247) sharpening stones, [Skerper Arkansas](kato://content/migrated_pageid_303) stones and [Belgian Blue stones](kato://content/migrated_pageid_350).

Sharpening stone materials: which are the best?

## Sharpening stones for the beginning sharpener

Are you a newbie when it comes to sharpening your own knives? It's great that you're getting started! What should you look out for? One thing that's important is grain size. The lower this number, the coarser the sharpening stone. The idea is that you start with a sharpening stone with a rough grain size (between 220 and 600 grit) and you will work your way up to a sharpening stone with a finer grain size (1000 grit or higher). But it may be a bit much to immediately purchase several individual sharpening stones.

This is why we recommend double-sided sharpening stones, which means that each side has a different grain size. So basically they are two sharpening stones in one! The [Skerper Basic sharpening stones](kato://category/skerperbasic) are our best sharpening stones when it comes to price-quality ratio. There's a reason they're so popular! The sharpening stones are effective and sharpen your knives very quickly. You won’t have to spend a lot of time sharpening before seeing the result. Have you sharpened your knife with the wrong angle? No problem! With these sharpening stones, a little mistake is easily corrected. Sharpen with the right sharpening angle, and before you know it, your knife will have this angle too. These are ideal sharpening stones to get started with sharpening!

Keep in mind that these sharpening stones are so effective because they are less hard than other stones that will be discussed later. This means that these stones require a bit more maintenance. [Read more about the maintenance of your sharpening stone here](kato://content/migrated_topic_395).

Buying guide sharpening stones: the best sharpening stones for you

Items in this Carryosity #5


* [1) Skerper Pocket Stone](#chap01)
* [2) MKM Root Titanium Natural Canvas Micarta](#chap02)
* [3) Gerber Prybrid Utility Solid State 31-003746 Grey](#chap03)

Carryosity #5: Urban EDC Compact Edition

## Sharpening with a ceramic sharpening steel

The best method is to use a [sharpening steel](kato://content/migrated_pageid_341). This allows you to sharpen tooth for tooth. A diamond-coated sharpening steel is also an option. It could, however, be a little too coarse. That is why we prefer a ceramic sharpening steel. It is important to choose a sharpening steel whose diameter matches the serrations of your knife. When your sharpening steel is too thick, you will not fit quite right into the serrations and then sharpening is pointless. The sharpening steel by Lansky has a diameter of 8mm and is therefore thin enough for sharpening most bread knives. Then again it is so thin, that it takes a bit more work to hit the entire serration of a more coarse serration. The sharpening steel by Edge Pro  is a bit thicker, measuring 13mm, but fits well for many breadknives. The Skerper sharpening steel measures 14mm and is a good option for coarser types of serrations. Do you own a bread knife or serrated knife with small serrations? Consider a sharpening pen such as the Skerper Basic sharpening pen. It has a diameter of only 6.2 mm.

Sharpening a bread knife

## How do you sharpen hedge shears?

Sharpening always starts with good preparation. Clean the knives first, how to do this is explained later in this article. Check the blade for any damage. Depending on the state of the blade, decide whether you will sharpen by hand, or whether an electric sharpener is needed for heavier work.

## What types of hedge shears exist?

There are different types of hedge shears, and that also determines how best to sharpen them:

* **Sharpening regular hedge shears**: The easiest way to do this is as above, using a sharpening stone or file. 
* **Electric hedge shears**: These often have a lot of small serrations, or teeth. Sharpen the teeth, one by one with a file or flat small sharpening stone. 

Want to learn more about sharpening different types of garden tools? Check out our tips on sharpening garden tools.

## Which sharpening tools are recommended for hedge shears?
For most hedge shears, a sharpening stone with a medium/coarse grit size will be sufficient. Preferably choose a compact sharpening stone that fits well in your hand, so you can move along the edge in a controlled way. A good example is the [Skerper Pocket Stone](kato://product/SVSO003). 

**Please note**: hedge shears don't need the same level of sharpness as kitchen knives. A course to medium grit size (for example, 200 to 600 grit) will usually be sufficient. This will remove burrs and damage fairly quickly.

Sharpening hedge shears

26 years ago, it all started with a love for Next Level Gear.
More than two decades later, that same passion has only grown stronger. Knivesandtools has become the specialist in knives, awesome gear and outdoor products. And that’s thanks to everyone who has ever bought, sharpened, tested or used one of our products with joy. That’s why we’re celebrating this anniversary with six days full of discounts, gifts and surprises.

From Sunday 26 October until Friday 31 October, a different category takes the spotlight each day.
Keep an eye on our website over the coming days for the best deals!

## Sunday 26 October – Back to where it all began

Our first love? Pocket knives.
That’s where it all started. And if there’s one thing that hasn’t changed in 26 years, it’s our appreciation for a good pocket knife. One that grows with you, collects stories and is always ready for use.

That’s why we’re kicking off our anniversary week with:

Free #OneKnifeStand with every pocket knife order over £65
while stocks last

But in those 26 years, we haven’t stopped at pocket knives alone. Over the years, many more categories have been added. This year, our newest pride: Woodworking.

That’s why you’ll get 10% off Woodworking tools on Sunday, October 26th.

From our first category to our newest; a beautiful bridge between then and now.

## Monday 27 October – Sharpening stones 

Anyone who uses knives knows sharpening is part of the deal. Even the best knife needs a little care now and then. On Monday 27 October, you’ll get 15% off all sharpening stones. The perfect time to get your knives and your sharpening skills back in top shape.

## Tuesday 28 October – Multitools

A multitool is one of those pieces of gear you only miss when you don’t have it with you. Compact, smart and always useful. On Tuesday 28 October, get 10% off all multitools.

## Wednesday 29 October – Axes

Whether you’re splitting firewood or working on a bushcraft project, a sharp axe makes all the difference. With a well-honed edge, chopping becomes almost relaxing.
That’s why on Wednesday 29 October, for every axe order over £60, you’ll receive a free Skerper axe sharpening stone, while stocks last.

## Thursday 30 October – Knife sets

With the holidays just around the corner and all those festive dinners coming up, a good knife set is essential. On Thursday, October 30th, all knife sets on [this page](kato://category/kitchenknifesets) are available with 10% off.

## Friday 31 October – Halloween special: flashlights

We’re ending our celebration week with light in the darkness. On this spooky day, a reliable light is a must. So we’re offering 10% off all flashlights.
Whether you’re going for an evening walk, upgrading your camping kit or just want to be ready for mysterious noises in the dark: today is your day.

## How it works

Every day, a new deal appears on Knivesandtools.com. Discount codes are published on the website and apply to the selected category on the date mentioned.
The promotions are visible on the website, in the newsletter and on social media. Some deals are limited, so early birds get the best bargains!

26 years of Knivesandtools

Japanese knives are different from European knives, simple. But what are the differences? In general the type of steel, the grind and the handles are different. Each with their own advantages and disadvantages. In this article we discuss which those are. 


## 1. The blade


### Type of steel


The hardness of the steel determines how long a knife retains its sharpness. The hardness is tested in the factory with a special machine and indicated as the Rockwell Scale of Hardness, part C (in short HRC).


In general, Japanese knives are made from a harder type of steel than European knives. While the hardness of the steel of a European knife is often between 54 and 58 Rockwell, the Japanese knives often start at 58 Rockwell up to 66 Rockwell.


Please note: the harder the steel, the more vulnerable the blade. The blade is less flexible and will damage a lot faster if you make a wrong movement. With a Japanese knife you, for instance, need to be careful around bones and other hard things. If you make a wrong movement with a European knife this won't immediately affect the blade.


### Thickness of the blade


Another difference is the thickness of the blade. The thickness of the blade is measured at the spine of the blade. The knife is thick at the spine and will become thinner towards the edge. This is the same for every knife. The thinner the edge, the less resistance you have as you use it. But that is also where the vulnerability comes in again, as is often the case for Japanese knives.


European knives have a thicker blade than Japanese knives. The advantage is that the blade is less vulnerable and, as such, perfect for more tasks. Cutting through a melon is a piece of cake with a European knife. You can use a European knife for basically everything.


### Sharpening angle


The type of steel and the thickness of the blade determine how thin the cutting edge can be sharpened. Japanese knives often have a small cutting angle of approximately 15 degrees while a European knife has one of 20 degrees. Here we are talking about a sharpening angle per side. This comes down to a sharpening angle of 30 degrees for the blade of a Japanese knife and 40 degrees for a European knife.


By now we know that a thinner blade offers less resistance, but we also know that a thinner blade is more vulnerable. There is also another important difference you should definitely take into account. A harder blade is more difficult to sharpen. The hard steel of an Asian kitchen knife cannot be honed with a honing steel. You can, however, use a ceramic sharpening steel. You achieve the best results with a Japanese waterstone made by, for instance, [Naniwa](kato://content/migrated_pageid_374), [Shapton](kato://content/migrated_pageid_280) or [Skerper](kato://content/migrated_pageid_298).


You can easily sharpen a European knife. For daily maintenance you use a honing or sharpening steel and when you really want to start sharpening you can use any type of sharpening method.


### Short summary


**Advantages Japanese blade** 

- Sharper grind 

- Retains its sharpness longer 

- Less resistance when you use it


**Disadvantages Japanese blade** 

- Sharpening takes some getting used to 

- Vulnerable 

- Requires maintenance. We will, of course, also tell you how to [maintain a Japanese knife](kato://content/migrated_topic_8).


**Advantages European blade** 

- Easy to sharpen yourself 

- Less vulnerable, can be used for more tasks 

- Doesn't require much maintenance


**Disadvantages European blade** 

- Needs to be sharpened more often 

- More resistance when you use it

Japanese versus European kitchen knives

### Active protection against rust

It is also very important to grease your tool once in a while. To prevent rust, but also to keep the moving parts moving. For this, use [one of these maintenance oils](/en/ct/knife-maintenance-products.htm?maintenance-type=maintenance%20oil). We recommend products like [Skerper maintenance oil](kato://product/SVMA002), [Ballistol](kato://category/ballistolbrandpage) and [Nano Oil](kato://category/nanooilbrand).

How do you maintain a multi-tool?

## Which coarse sharpening stone do I need?

We offer many different sharpening stones and combi-stones. These sharpening stones are mostly used to remove deep imperfections of the blade. Among our coarse grinding stones there are several options to choose from; not all coarse grinding sharpening stones are the same.

We have coarse diamond-coated sharpening stones from DMT, like this [DMT DiaSharp Benchstone Coarse](kato://product/DMTD6CX). Diamond sharpening stones are always a good choice, because they take material off very quickly thanks to the hard diamond particles.

In addition, we also have 'standard' sharpening stones with which you can restore a blunt or damaged edge just fine. Other popular options among coarse sharpening stones include the 220 grit [Skerper Professional stone](kato://product/SVSP220) and the 120 grit [Shapton Pro Stone](kato://product/SJK0701), which sharpens your blunt knives with ease. Using these stones will give you results in no time at all.

It is important to note that there are differences between stone types from different manufacturers. For example, a 220 grit ceramic sharpening stone with will sharpen differently than a stone made of a softer material in the same grain size. For example, there are [important differences](kato://content/migrated_topic_152) between the two well-known Japanese brands Naniwa and Shapton.

If you are not sure which stone is suitable for your knife, we will be happy to give you individual advice.

Coarse sharpening stones

## What do you need

We've made a list of things you can use to clean your Swiss army knife. Chances are, you'll already have most of them!

* Warm water
* A mild detergent or soap
* Some cotton swabs and toothpicks
* Old toothbrush or some other kind of small brush
* Clean piece of cloth
* Optional: a hairdryer
* Mineral oil or a knife-maintenance oil

## Before you get started

This How-To guide is written for Swiss pocket knives with plastic or aluminium handle scales in mind. Is your pocket knife made from wood? Make sure you don't get it too wet, as this would negatively affect the handle. Also avoid abrasive cleaners or steel brushes, as these can damage the surface of the blade.

### Step 1: open the tools

Let's get started! A Swiss army knife should not be taken apart. Instead, you open all the blades and tools so you can reach every nook and cranny. Be careful not to cut yourself on the sharp tools. Tip: save opening the blade and saw for last.

### Step 2: rinsing your Swiss army knife in the sink

First of all, you want to give the pocket knife a good rinse. This will get rid of most of the dirt already. Hold all tools under the tap and rinse them well with lukewarm water. If the water is too hot you can hurt yourself and make the knife too hot to hold. Make sure to rinse the inside of the pocket knife too. If there is any dirt stuck in a corner, use a toothpick to pick it out.

Is your Swiss pocket knife not that dirty? A wet cotton swab works wonders when cleaning the inside of the pocket knife.

### Step 3: cleaning with soap and a brush

Apply a little soap to the brush and gently scrub all parts of the blade, including the hinge points. A toothbrush is ideal for this job as the bristles are small enough to get into the crevices. The soap efficiently removes grease that you can't easily see with the naked eye.

### Step 4: rinse and dry

Rinse the knife again under warm water to remove all soap residue. Dry the knife thoroughly with a clean cloth. Make sure all parts are dry, especially the hinge points, to prevent rust. You can also use a hairdryer to make sure everything is really dry. As most Swiss pocket knives are made of stainless steel, it shouldn't be a problem if a little moisture remains.

### Step 5: add oil

Apply a small amount of oil to the hinge points of the Swiss army knife. This helps keep the tools moving smoothly. We recommend using [Victorinox multi-tool oil](kato://product/VT4-3302), [Ballistol maintenance oil](kato://product/BT21000) or our very own [Skerper Maintenance Oil](kato://product/SVMA002). Wipe away excess oil with the piece of cloth.

### Step 6: close the tools and you're done!

Close all blades and tools and check whether they're moving smoothly. If necessary, you can add another drop of oil to the hinge. Satisfied? Then you're all done! That's how easy it is to clean your Swiss pocket knife.

## How do you prevent the need for major maintenance?

If you regularly go through the cleaning process as described above, you'll keep your pocket knife in tip-top condition. If you also make sure to clean the knife after use, you'll be all set.

How do you clean a Swiss army knife?

## Sharpening your garden tools

Sharpening garden tools is very important. This is because dull tools take more strength, work less precisely and increase the risk of accidents. Sharpening ensures sharpness, efficiency, safety and more fun.

### When should you sharpen garden tools?

* Pruning tools: every few jobs or when cutting results are less than satisfactory
* [Axes](kato://category/axesprodpage) and [saws](kato://category/sawsprod): at the beginning of the season, after intensive use or in case of visible damage

### How do you sharpen your garden tools?

Garden tools can be sharpened in two ways: either by moving the tool over the sharpening stone, or by moving the sharpening stone over the tool. In most cases, the latter method works best. This is because garden tools are often quite large, making it difficult to hold them steady while maintaining the correct sharpening angle.

Even with smaller tools like [pruning shears](kato://category/pruningshears), you usually choose the method where you move the sharpening stone. The construction of the tool often gets in the way if you sharpen using the other method. Therefore, a compact sharpening stone that is comfortable to hold is ideal for maintaining garden tools. This will give you maximum control over your movements and sharpen more accurately.

There are special sharpening stones for some tools that better match the shape of the blade. For example, do you have garden shears with a curved edge, like a parrot beak? Then a convex or concave sharpening stone, such as the [Naniwa Gouken](kato://category/naniwa?series=Gouken), will be ideal. For tools with a straight edge, a small sharpening stone, such as the [Skerper Pocket Stone](kato://product/SVSO003), will be perfect. For an axe, we recommend the [Skerper Axe Sharpening Stone](kato://product/SVSO002).

Saws are usually sharpened with a file or a special sharpening steel. Keep in mind that this is precision work: you have to sharpen each serration individually. This will take some time. This is why we also offer [replacement saw blades](kato://category/sawbladesprod) for many of our saws. This is a quick and practical solution if sharpening is too much work.

Sharpening your garden tools

## Arkansas Stones are perfect for beginners


Particularly for beginners in bushcraft, Arkansas stones are going to be the absolute perfect solution, for a number of reasons. Assuming you are using a blade made from a common steel such as 01 tool steel or 1095 and not “super steel” as talked about above, the Skerper set will give you an impressive range of grits at your disposal.


Arkansas Stones are graded not by grit numbers like other types of sharpening stones, but by their density and hardness. The less dense, or softer the stone, the coarser it is. The more dense, or harder the stone, the finer it is. The coarsest Arkansas Stone is the [Soft Arkansas](kato://product/SVNAPO01). The [Hard Arkansas](kato://product/SVNAPO10) are in the middle range, and the [Hard Black](kato://product/SVNAPO20) and [Hard Translucent](kato://product/SVNAPO40) and [Surgical Arkansas](kato://product/SVNAPO30) stones are the finest.


Roughly speaking, a full set of [Skerper Arkansas Stones](kato://content/migrated_pageid_303) (Soft to Translucent) covers an equivalent range of grits from 400-10,000! The small size and weight of them will also mean that they can easily be justified to carry in your pack. They pack a lot of punch for their size.

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