Fillet knives can already be difficult to sharpen because of their thin, flexible blades, and adding a bolster into the mix makes the process even more challenging. In this video, we sharpen a Wusthof fillet knife featuring both a flexible blade and a full bolster.

One technique we use is carefully marking where the actual cutting edge begins. This point is often farther back than where the plunge line or primary grind visually transitions into the edge. If the sharpening pass on the belt grinder goes too far past this area, it can easily create an unwanted groove near the bolster due to the drastic thickness difference between the bolster and the thin edge section.

Using our belt grinder, we sharpened only up to the marked area, beginning with a 120 grit belt and refining the edge with Trizact A30 and A16 belts. After the belt work, we removed the burr using a specially shaped 1K Naniwa Chocolate Bar sharpening stone, then finished the knife with a compound buffing treatment. The final result delivers smooth, effortless “S” cuts with excellent cutting performance.

Jende Industries is a global company focused on sharpening services, sharpening tools, and edge maintenance solutions. We are the creators of Jende Reed Knives, Jende Nanocloth Strops, Jende Diamond Emulsions, and Jende Leather Knife Rolls. We also manufacture and supply custom-cut stones for guided sharpening systems including Jende JIGS for Knives, Hapstone, Edge Pro, TSProf, KME Sharpeners, and Wicked Edge.

Whether you are a musician, chef, outdoors enthusiast, or sharpening enthusiast of any experience level, Jende offers products and solutions for you. Be sure to visit the official Jende Industries YouTube channel for additional product demonstrations, sharpening techniques, and showcases of our sharpening products and services.