How To Look After Your Cooks Knives

There is nothing quite as annoying as starting to chop your vegetables and finding that your knife is blunt.

No matter how expensive the knife, if it has been neglected and treated badly it will be useless.

Here are a few pointers on how to maintain your cook’s knife and guarantee an enjoyable prepping experience every time!

1.     Clean your cooks knives properly

Make sure to follow the cleaning instructions that come with your knife on purchase. You will typically be advised to wash your cook’s knife by handinstead of putting it in the dishwasher as the detergent, high heat and jostling may cause damage to the blade.

Wash your knife by hand using a soft cloth and warm soapy water, then rinse with hot water. For foods that are hardto remove, the knife should be soaked rather than scrubbed.

2.     Dry your cooks knives thoroughly

Particularly for knives made from carbon steel,it isimportant to prevent rust,although all knives should be properly dried before being stored. Dry your knife with a soft, clean cloth straight after rinsing to prevent mould and residue forming on your blades.

3.     Sharpen your cooks knivesregularly

Always keep your knives sharp. Depending on what your cook’s knife is made from,there is a wide range of sharpening tools available, including; whetstone, honing rod, ceramic wheel, V sharpener and ceramic sharpener.

If you are unsure what the difference is between each one, speak to a professional. All good cookware stores should be able to assist.

4.     Don’t sharpen your own knife unless you know what you are doing

If you are unsure how to sharpen your cook’sknife,ask a professional to do it for you or show you. You can take your knife into any cookware store and they will be happy to help. If you do sharpen your knife incorrectly,it is possible to damage the blade beyond repair.

5.     Store your cooks knivessafely

Storing your knife safely will not only prevent people from cutting themselves but will also protect the knife. If you keep your knives in a drawer, ensure they have a protective sheath on them at all times.

If you have a range of knives you use on a regular basis, it may be worth investing in a knife block, bristle block or magnetic rack. This will help to protect your knives from dents and marks and will also mean they are within easy reach.

6.     Choose your chopping surface carefully

Avoid using your knives on glass, granite, marble or stone. These surfaces will dull your knife blade more quickly than wood or plastic and can also damage the edge of your blade. We would recommend only using a wooden or plastic chopping board when using your cook’s knife.