6 Must-Dos for Taking Care of Knives

6 MUST-DOS FOR TAKING CARE OF KNIVES

Have you recently purchased a new set of chef’s knives or received your very own dream kitchen knife set? If so, you probably want to ensure that those knives will last a lifetime. Luckily, there are some easy steps you can take to keep your knives well-maintained. As one of the leading culinary knife set designers and manufacturers, Messermeister wants to help you get the most out of your investment.

Here are some important maintenance tips for your new set of knives:

1. Don't Put Your Knives in the Dishwasher

Putting high-quality knives in the dishwasher is generally a no-go because the elements in the blade steal that give you a terrific edge are also susceptible to corrosion. Detergents combined with heat and water can create microscopic pitting on the surface of a blade which creates the perfect environment for corrosion to begin.  Create a habit for carefully handwashing your knives with soap and warm water and drying them thoroughly with a soft cloth or towel.

2. Choose the Right Cutting Board

When it comes to keeping your blades in top condition, selecting the proper cutting board is essential. We recommend a wood cutting board. Wear studies show that wood is the gentlest on your edges. Because it’s wood, it’s important to ensure that your cutting board is properly maintained and kept clean and dry. A favorable second choice to wood is a rubber cutting board, which has the ability to absorb impact and not cause damage to the knife.

3. Use Your Honing Steel Regularly and Sharpen Only As Needed (& Don’t Overdo It!)

A honing steel is used to realign the edge of a knife, which tends to roll to one side during use.  By keeping the edge in proper alignment, you can maximize the time between sharpening. Sharpening is the process of removing material from the sides of the blade to reform the edge angle. One mistake that is often made with high-quality knives is sharpening either the wrong way or far too often, or worse, both. For western-style knives, the occasional use of a whetstone will help keep them sharp; we also recommend having them professionally sharpened at least once a year, or more depending on how often you use them.

4. Oil Wooden Handles Regularly

If your kitchen knife set came with wooden handles, it’s important you oil them on a regular basis to keep them in good condition. Depending on the type of wood your knife handles are made with and the climate where you live, this could mean anywhere from a weekly to monthly basis.  Widely available, mineral oil is food-safe and an effective option to use.

5. Store Your Knives Properly

Storing your kitchen knives the right way is important as it will impact the quality of your knives. For example, wooden knife blocks are fine, but the slots of a traditional knife block are dark and often damp, a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. That’s why we recommend using a magnetic knife block, which allows air and light to create a sanitary environment for your knives. Those who prefer storing them in a drawer should consider an in-drawer knife holder or at the very least protecting them with edge-guards. Never let your cutlery rattle around unprotected; it’s not only unsafe, but also highly destructive to your knives.

6. Cover Your Knives When Traveling with Them

If you’re a chef or you sometimes like to bring your knives along with you to dinner parties or other occasions, keeping them properly covered is key. If you travel with your knives, again having a set of edge-guards will keep both you and your knives safe while on the go.

Explore kitchen knife sets, chef’s knives and more.

To learn more about how to care for your knives, check out the Knife Maintenance page. And if you’re looking for a quality knife set, we carry a wide variety of kitchen knives, chef’s knives, carving sets, and more. To see which knives and kitchen equipment are right for you, explore more in our online store today.