KITCHEN KNIFE CARE
The basics of keeping them sharper longer
Basics
Storage Location
Protect cutting edges by storing knives both dry and separate from others. Avoid sinks and dishwashers because of the risk of collisions and aggressive changes in temperature. Seek softer cutting boards when in use.
Home Service
A few passes on a strop (or hone) can both 1) straighten bent edges and 2) apply texture, "grit," to make cutting tomatoes and the like easier between sharpening (removing material) services.
Sharp
Angles meet equally (straight) to craft cutting edges.
Dulling
Edges bend with use. Landing sideways, dragging the knife edge, hard sinks and boards do this. Strops and hones can push these edges back straight.
Dull
After metal is missing, at a rocker or a chipped spot, sharpening (removing material) is required to craft a new cutting edge.
Can it be as easy as buttering bread?
Yes it can be with a hone or strop.
Let us know and we’ll share how next time you’re in the store.
Consider:
- Carbon steels patina (go gray) over time and rust with continuous water contact. Use oil to protect the blade.
- Natural wood handles do best with a food safe wax every so often.
