Mug sharpening, metal, microwave, help.

W

Wind403

Joined
May 31, 2014
Messages
2
So I seen about using the rough bottom of a coffee mug to sharpen a knife a few places, and decided to give it shot with a crappy old kitchen knife. I stupidly, however, didn't give as much thought into what mug I grabbed as I did the knife. I went about trying it out, got a bit of thin black line built up in the bottom, and then looked to the side, took a good glance over at the microwave, and.... well, I don't don't care about this particular mug, but a family member does. I managed to get some of it out scrubbing for a while with some soapy water but there's still some lodged in there. I don't know enough about this stuff to know if that's even enough TO cause a problem, but I'd rather not find out the hard way. Right now I've got the cup set side where they won't find it and decide to use it and stick it in. If there any way to get the scrap metal out and save this thing?
 
If your just talking about the ring around the bottom of the mug it should come off with some comet cleanser or similar and a scotch brute pad.
 
Id try cream cleaner first too. Theres always fine sandpaper if that doesn't work.

Then go buy a ceramic sharpening rod!
 
The ring on the bottom will actually clean itself with some repeated washing, normal use sliding on a table or countertop, and a bit of scrubbing with a Scotchie helps as well. It won't be an issue in the microwave. I frequently eat my icecream out of a coffee mug and some of my favorites have a lot of stainless from the spoon wiped into the surface, is not a problem.

Use a dark mug in the future, grind on the unglazed underside, use the glazed rim as a honing steel - softer steels turn out frightfully sharp with this method, just have to get your own mug...
 
Chances are, the relatively small amount of steel swarf in the ring on the mug's bottom won't be an issue in the microwave anyway. It'll still get hot, but that's not ordinarily an issue for ceramic mugs; they can take it. But, if you're still uncomfortable about it, use some Bar Keepers Friend powder, mixed to a paste with water, to scrub it out. The oxalic acid in the BKF will dissolve any stubbornly embedded steel swarf, and leaving it almost like new.

( I've made 'homemade' microwave popcorn in the microwave, using the standard popping corn from the store, in a paper lunch bag with a little bit of cooking oil, and the bag held shut with a STAPLE. It's a common internet recipe for this. No issues with that little bit of metal in the microwave. ;) )


David
 
Carl aka Jackknife made a lovely uTube about how to sharpen with a coffee cup
It is one of his well known ways of sharpening carbon steel penknives
 
neeman said:
Carl aka Jackknife made a lovely uTube about how to sharpen with a coffee cup
It is one of his well known ways of sharpening carbon steel penknives
Click to expand...

The mug works good on Wenger chef's knife too!
10117187934_a1b70bcc95_c.jpg
 
Carl

Please could you post the link to your video you posted
Most educational
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top