In brief: For a double-bevel knife, distinguish between the angle on each side and the total edge angle. SARACEN specifies 20° per side, or approximately 40° total. When sharpening at home, follow the specifications for the specific knife, not just its country of origin.
Angle per side and total angle
In cross-section, the angle per side is measured between the bevel and the blade axis. For a symmetrical, double-bevel edge, the two angles are added together. Single-bevel or asymmetrical grinds cannot be described by simply doubling the angle.
So always check the instructions when setting a sharpener to “20°”: the manufacturer must specify whether this is the angle per side or the total.
Why you can’t divide knives simply into Japanese and European
The angles of current models overlap. For example, ZWILLING recommends approximately 15° per side when maintaining its knives, while Shun specifies 16° per side for many models. So there is no general rule that every German knife has a 22–25° angle and every Japanese knife has a smaller one.
| Angle per side | How to read it |
|---|---|
| 15–16° for specific models | Examples from ZWILLING and Shun specifications; these do not apply to all their knives. |
| 20° for SARACEN | This brand’s recommendation for its kitchen knives. |
| A different angle | Check the model and grind construction. A lower number alone does not mean a better knife. |
How the angle affects cutting
With all other geometry being equal, a narrower edge is usually finer, but its tip has less material to support it. Cutting performance also depends on the thickness behind the edge, the grind, the material, and the condition of the edge. An angle of 20° alone does not guarantee that the edge will never chip.
So don’t twist the knife sideways when cutting through harder ingredients. Standard SARACEN kitchen knives are not designed for cutting bones or frozen foods.
Guide: how high to raise the spine
For an approximate setup of the blade angle on a flat stone, use the formula spine height ≈ blade height × sin(angle). At 20°, sin 20° is approximately 0.342. The values below are rounded; they are not a substitute for checking the actual bevel.
| Blade height from edge to spine | Approximate spine height above the stone at 20° |
|---|---|
| 35 mm | 12 mm |
| 40 mm | 14 mm |
| 45 mm | 15 mm |
| 50 mm | 17 mm |
| 55 mm | 19 mm |
| 60 mm | 21 mm |
A coin placed alongside the blade does not indicate the same angle for every knife: it depends on the blade height. Marker color on the bevel helps track where the stone makes contact; the complete process is shown in the knife sharpening guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is 20° the same as 40°?
Yes, for a symmetrical double-bevel edge, if 20° refers to one side and 40° to the total angle across both sides.
Should I change the angle at home?
For routine maintenance, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Changing the angle removes material and alters the knife’s geometry.
Does the correct angle prevent damage?
Not by itself. The cutting board and applying appropriate pressure also matter, and you should avoid prying with the blade while cutting.
Sources and scope of information
- ZWILLING: instructions for maintaining the edge.
- Shun: specifications for individual constructions.
- SARACEN data: SARACEN Original, PRO, Eclipse, and Basic. The heights in the table are calculated using sin 20°, not measured from the products.
Hero image: original SARACEN product gallery, composition adapted to a 5:2 format.