Important Knife Care Tips to Make Sharpness Last Longer

Maintaining knife sharpness is very important for every kitchen. Right off the bat, regular honing and sharpening will be the most important tools to last your kitchen knives longer. In addition to that, there are plenty of things that you can do to ensure longer-lasting knife sharpness. Selecting the right type of steel and blades is very important as well.

When it comes to knife care, you’d want to extend the life of the blade. Even in the case of stainless-steel knives, other metal components can deteriorate much faster. Sharper knives are much safer to use since they will not require much force behind the cut or the slice. Here are some important knife care tips to help make the sharpness last longer:

Knife Cleaning

Cleaning your knife is the most important when it comes to maintaining sharpness for longer. Many people disregard the importance of cleaning the knife. However, when you leave knives with pulp, juices, or bits on the blade, they can rust up much quicker.

Also, acids in foods will cause damage to the metal screws used to hold the handle in place. So, you want to develop the habit of cleaning your kitchen knives more regularly. Here’s more to know about knife cleaning:

Hand Washing

Firstly, do not wash your knives in the dishwasher. It is very tempting to throw the knives in the dishwasher. It is of course easier and much more convenient. However, when it comes to maintaining knife sharpness, dishwashers are the worst washing treatment.

When knives get tossed around in the dishwasher, the blade edge will come in hard contact with other hard objects. This can chip the edge and cause micro-dents that take away sharpness. So, you are always better at cleaning and washing your knives by hand. Also, use a mild detergent.

Drying Properly Before Storing

Storing your knives after washing is important. There is more to it than meets the eye. After washing, many people simply place the knife in the drawer for storage. However, storing the knife when still wet can prolong water and liquid exposure to fast-paced rusting.

So, make sure to let the knife dry properly before storing it. The best way is to wipe it completely with a clean cloth or a paper towel. However, make sure to keep the cutting-edge side away from the hand when wiping it. Store it when fully dry to not let rust develop on the blade or the screws.

Cleaning Before and After Every Use

Cleaning your knife before and after every use is very important. Before using will make sure there are no leftover ingredients on the blade. This will stop ingredients from mixing which could make cooking less than perfect.

Also, make sure to clean the knife properly by hand washing after each use. Remove the ingredients containing potentially rust-prone acids. Regular cleaning will keep the knife going for much longer.

Storing Your Kitchen Knives

Next is storage for kitchen knives. It plays a more vital role than many people believe. Whether you have a Damascus knife or a high-end stainless-steel knife, storage will be key for prolonged sharpness. Here are some important things to know about knife storage:

Magnetic Knife Stripes and Stands

One of the best knife storage solutions is magnetic stripes and stands. These will be used to attach the knife blades to the magnetic parts. By doing this, your knife blades will not come in contact with other hard objects. Also, magnetic stands enable knife blades to be stored in open environments.

In addition to that, magnetic stands or strips come in different shapes and forms. Making your kitchen look tidy, these make knife storage safer as well. When picking up the knife, your hand will naturally grab the handle and not the blade. Some hanging magnetic stripes are also great options.

Wooden Knife Block

When it comes to knife storage, wooden knife blocks are very good as well. These will have precise cuts in them to support the blades. Naturally, the knife blade goes into the opening fully. This keeps the blades safer and sharper for much longer.

Also, wood is a naturally soft material. It will not cause any sharpness degradation. Wooden blocks look elegant with only the knife handles visible to the eye. Also, this is why knife blocks are much safer than many other storage solutions as well.

Blade Guard/Cover

Knives do not lose their sharpness when in use. They do so when not in use. So, the blade coming in contact with other hard objects develops micro-bends or chips. This is where blade guards or covers are the most useful.

Also, these blade guards or covers will keep the blade away from humidity as well. Some knives come with covers or guards when buying. Also, these will be available separately as well when required.

Using the Right Cutting Board

Cutting boards are some of the most important pieces of the knife sharpness puzzle. This is where most of the cutting, chopping, or slicing will be done. Hard metal or stone cutting boards are abrasive causing the knife blades to lose sharpness quickly.

Using softer cutting boards made from plastics or wood materials are the best choices. These softer cutting board will not take away knife sharpness. Also, regular honing and sharpening are key factors for any kitchen knife when looking to make the sharpness last longer.

Bottom Line

Cleaning and storage are some of the most important factors for kitchen knife sharpness. Also, cutting boards will play a vital role in contributing to longer-lasting knife sharpness. Selecting the right knife will play a vital role in longevity as well. Knives that are too cheap, might not be the best options. Look for higher quality knives possibly on discount deals at stores.