How to Keep Your Knives in Good Condition

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The way you treat your knives can make a difference in their quality, function, and lifespan. You need to take the right steps to keep your knives looking shiny new and functioning as well as possible, whether you’re using them to make banana chips as a snack or a large curry for your dinner.

Below, we have covered some top tips for keeping your knives in good condition, so they last as long as possible whilst still working perfectly.

Storing Your Knife Properly

The conditions in which you store your knife contribute to its longevity. Proper environmental conditions help to prevent the knife blade from rusting and degrading and can help to keep it crisp and sharp.

A sharp knife with a crisp blade edge will slice through ingredients much more easily, making your cooking process much faster and safer. You can learn more about how to remove rust from your knives by clicking here. Proper storage of your knives also keeps the handles in good condition.

Consider storing your knives in a knife block or on top of a magnetic strip that will protect the blades from damage or moisture. It prevents the blade from dulling and avoids scratches that may be inevitable when storing your knives loosely in a drawer.

If you don’t have space for a knife block, you can get blade guards to protect your knife blades from scratches and water damage when they’re loose.

Properly Sharpening Your Knife

You’ll need to sharpen your knives regularly to keep them in the best condition. A full knife can wear away more quickly, especially if you’re using it to cut tough, fibrous foods like vegetables and thick cuts of meat.

Use a sharpening stone (whetstone) or electric knife sharpener every time your knife blades start to feel duller (which you will notice when your ingredients start to feel more difficult to cut). If you don’t use your knives very often, you might only need to sharpen them every few months.

When sharpening your knives, maintain a consistent angle of around 20 degrees to ensure you get a sharp and even edge. After sharpening, consider honing the edges of the blades to ensure they stay sharp. this is especially helpful for steel knife blades.

Safely Cleaning Your Knives

Washing your knives properly is key to maintaining their condition. Every few weeks, get some warm water and mix in a mild soap. Use a soft, non-bristled sponge or cloth to carefully clean your knife blades.

Hand washing your knives instead of throwing them into a dishwasher prevents high temperatures or strong chemicals from damaging the precious blades. Avoid soaking your knives for long periods of time, as water can increase the rate of rusting and corrosion.

Disinfecting Your Knives Effectively

You’ll need to disinfect your knife blades after using them to cut raw meat to kill bacteria, prevent cross contamination, and food borne illnesses. You can use white vinegar mixed with water in a 2:1 ratio as an effective disinfectant solution.

*This article is based on personal suggestions and/or experiences and is for informational purposes only. This should not be used as professional advice. Please consult a professional where applicable.