Resolving the Debate:

Clarification:
Both honing and sharpening are essential for knife maintenance but serve different purposes.
Honing rods maintain sharpness while sharpening stones or similar tools reshape the edge by removing material.
Demonstration:
Use a magnifying lens to visually demonstrate how the knife’s edge changes with honing versus sharpening, emphasizing the role of each tool.
By understanding these distinctions and sharing this knowledge, you can enhance your cooking skills and settle the debate amicably with your mother-in-law. Proper use of the right equipment ensures safe and effective culinary execution, whether you need a well-honed edge for daily tasks or a freshly sharpened blade for more demanding cutting.