When cared for properly, kitchen knives do last a lifetime. But treat them like regular cutlery, and you’ll find yourself chopping harder and slower than ever.
You see, you can buy the most premium knives. And, still, without caring and proper maintenance, you will find them failing at their job. If you have ever read any kitchen knives reviews, like the Cangshan knives review, you must’ve seen that every knife stated falls into a specific category and is designed for a specific use. And while they are used differently, the one thing they have in common – all knives need respect from their owner, and they will work for decades.
Knives, regardless of price and material, require dedicated care to last longer. Well, in case you are wondering how to prolong their life – do not worry because we have dived into the depths and articulated all the best maintenance techniques below. Continue reading to unravel!
Use Kitchen Knives for Specific Purposes
Every kitchen knife is different. If you think a kitchen knife is suitable for all tasks, then you’re highly mistaken, my friend. A kitchen knife may seem like-well-a kitchen knife.
But there’s a lot to construction and design that makes each one different, each one specialized for a specific task.There are multiple types of kitchen knives, including:
• Steak knife
• Bread knife
• Carving knife
• Utility knife
• Vegetable cleaver
Knowing each knife’s purpose is very important. Otherwise, using a knife for all-kitchen tasks would only damage its blade and reduce its efficiency. It is better to label and organize the knives so that you can remember their use easily.
Make Cutting Boards your Best Friend
It may seem easier to go ahead with cutting on any surface available. Be it the kitchen counter or tray-you can cut on anything hard, right? Well, this is a big no if you want knives to last longer.
Opt for dedicated, high-quality cutting boards only. Your cutting board should be no harder than the knife. Instead, it should be soft enough to leave a score. This particular feature helps in reducing the blade’s wear.
Although there is a plethora of cutting board types available in the market, we recommend you these two:
Wood
Wooden cutting boards are naturally bacteria-resistant. It means they do not let bacteria grow in the scores. Hence, maintaining hygiene. But, the only drawback of wooden cutting boards is that you can only wash them by hand. You can not use the dishwasher.
Plastic
On the other hand, plastic aces all aspects of a high-quality cutting board It is bacteria-resistant and easy to clean. You can put it in the dishwasher with the rest of the cutlery and even bleach it!
Store the Knives Properly
Storing the knives in the drawer with the rest of the cutlery can be dangerous. Besides, the blade of your knife will come in contact with surfaces that can cause wear and dullness.
You should store your knives in dedicated places, such as:
• Knife blocks
• Magnetic knife racks
These not only help you gather your knives in one place but make them last longer. However, when placing/removing the knives, ensure that the blade edges do not scrape with the surface. Otherwise, it would eliminate the whole purpose of knife protection.
Say No to Dishwasher and Soaking
Water and heat are, perhaps, the biggest enemies of your kitchen knife.
Dishwashers spray hot water and harsh detergents for longer periods. And this long exposure to these elements can rust and weaken the blade, even a stainless one. So, always hand-wash the knives.
Begin by scrubbing the knife from back to the edge. Then, let the soap sit for 30-seconds. Wash the blade under tap water, and then quickly dry using a kitchen towel.
Never let the knife soak in soapy water with the rest of the things. It is dangerous and can also cause the blade sharpness to reduce due to collisions between different surfaces.