<human>:  How do I safely sharpen a kitchen knife?
<bot>: To safely sharpen a kitchen knife, you should use a sharpening stone, whetstone, or electric sharpener. You should also make sure that the surface is clean and dry before use. Before sharpening, inspect the blade for any nicks or burrs. Firmly hold the handle of the knife and use long, even strokes on the sharpening stone to sharpen the blade. After sharpening, you should use a honing rod to make sure the newly sharpened edge remains aligned.