RICEKNIFE
KNIFE CARE
What Are the Top Tips for Knife Care?
A kitchen knife is an essential tool for food preparation, and maintaining its sharpness is crucial for safety and ease of use. Proper knife care is a must to prevent your knives from becoming dull. Let’s explore how you can effectively care for your sharp knives and keep them in great condition.
Stainless steel isn’t called no-stain steel!
NEVER put your knifes in the dishwasher! It isn’t good for the steel nor the handle. Do not leave your knife in water.
Remember your knife is only as sharp as the person that sharpens it. A good sharpening steel and a 600/1000 grit sharpening stone goes a long way. But any way that works for you is great!
Use it, keep it clean and it’ll serve you for many years to come!
Here are some key Riceknife care recommendations:
#1. Maintain the cleanliness of your knife after every use.
Ensure Your Knife Stays Clean After Every Use Acidic foods like lemons, tomatoes, and onions can cause gradual corrosion of your knife blade. Therefore, it’s wise to clean your knife after cutting anything acidic, especially if you’re using a high carbon steel knife.
While most modern kitchen knives are made of stainless steel and are resistant to rust, neglecting cleaning can result in small rust spots forming, particularly near the cutting edge where the stainless steel may have worn away.
Additionally, it’s important to keep your knife clean while working by wiping it with a kitchen towel to remove food particles after each use.
#2. Clean your knife using soapy water.
Wash Your Knife with Mild Soapy Water Use mild soap and hot water to wash and clean your knife, preferably immediately after use to prevent corrosion and ensure proper hygiene. Avoid soaking your knife, as this can saturate the handle and lead to bacteria buildup.
To maintain the longevity of your knives and ensure cleanliness, handwashing is the ideal method.
#3. Promptly dry your knife.
Dry Your Knife Immediately To prevent rusting or the buildup of germs, do not let your knife air dry. Instead, use a hand towel to thoroughly dry it as soon as you’ve washed it. You can also use a paper towel for this purpose. While it may seem like a small detail, these practices can help keep your knife in top-notch condition.
Bonus Tip: After drying, consider applying a thin layer of neutral oil to your knife. Be sure to avoid the blade edge and use a paper towel for oiling. Placing your knife on a flat surface while oiling can help prevent accidental cuts during the process.
#4. Select the appropriate cutting board.
Choose the Right Cutting Board Selecting the appropriate cutting board is essential. While you might think that glass or marble boards are suitable for your knife, they can actually be detrimental to the blade.
Opt for wooden or plastic cutting boards, as they are gentler on the knife’s edge. Choosing the right cutting board will help maintain the sharpness of your knife.
Bonus Tip: Consider shopping for cutting boards at hospitality stores or online, as they are often of industry-standard quality and durability. They come in various colors, making it easy to keep meat and vegetable prep separate by using specific colors.
#5. Refine and align your knife’s edge.
Regularly Sharpen and Hone Your Knife Consider professional sharpening once a year, or more frequently if your knife appears dull. You can use whetstones and leather strops to sharpen the blade, and a honing rod can also be helpful in maintaining the knife’s edge alignment.
A dull knife is more dangerous than a sharp one, as it requires more force during use, increasing the risk of accidents or injuries. You can sharpen your knife twice a year and hone it before each use.
When choosing between honing and sharpening, keep in mind that Japanese-style knives with hard steel should be sharpened with whetstones, while Western-style knives, which are softer, can benefit from honing rods.
#6. Avoid putting the knife in the dishwasher.
Avoid Dishwasher Use Dishwashers can expose your knife to excessive heat, which is not suitable for cleaning. If your knife handle is made of wood or resins, it’s best to avoid the dishwasher.
This is because dishwashers subject your knife to prolonged high temperatures, which can harm its overall health. Furthermore, the water from the dishwasher can over-saturate the knife handle, leading to bacteria buildup.
#7. Pay attention to the proper storage of your knives.
Store Your Knives Properly Handle your knives with care during storage. Use knife blade covers to minimize contact with other utensils, as contact can lead to chipping, breaking, or dulling of the blade.
Consider using a knife block or a magnetic knife rack for storage, ensuring that the blades are facing upward to prevent accidental injuries while accessing the knives.
In Conclusion To ensure peak performance and a long lifespan for your favorite knife, prioritize maintenance. Handwash your knife with soapy water, avoid dishwasher use, and use a hand towel for drying. Always exercise caution when dealing with sharp blades. Keep your knives sharp and well-aligned, and choose the right cutting board. Additionally, store your knives properly, especially when there are children in the house.
