The Essential Guide to Kitchen Knife Care
A good kitchen knife is one of those tools you reach for almost every time you cook. From preparing vegetables for dinner to portioning meat before a barbecue, keeping your knives in good condition can make everyday food preparation easier and more enjoyable.
Knife care doesn't need to be complicated. A few simple habits around cleaning, sharpening, storage and everyday use can help protect the blade and keep your knives performing as intended.
Here's a practical guide to looking after your kitchen knives at home.
1. Clean Your Knives Soon After Use
One of the simplest knife-care habits is also one of the most important: don't leave a used knife sitting around unnecessarily.
After food preparation, clean the blade carefully using warm water, mild dishwashing liquid and a soft sponge or cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaning products or rough scrubbers that may damage the blade's finish.
Once clean, dry the knife thoroughly with a soft cloth before storing it. Leaving moisture on the blade for extended periods can affect some blade materials and finishes.
Always follow the care instructions supplied with your particular knife, as materials and construction can vary.
2. Avoid Putting Quality Kitchen Knives in the Dishwasher
Unless the manufacturer specifically states otherwise, hand washing is generally the safer approach for quality kitchen knives.
A dishwasher exposes knives to heat, moisture, detergents and movement against other utensils. Over time, this can affect the blade, handle or finish depending on the materials used.
There is also a practical safety consideration: a sharp knife hidden among other items in a dishwasher can create an unnecessary risk when unloading.
Hand wash, dry and store your knife after use. It only takes a moment and gives you much more control over how the knife is treated.
3. Use the Right Cutting Surface
The surface underneath your knife matters.
Very hard surfaces can be tough on a fine cutting edge. Avoid routinely cutting directly on materials such as stone, granite, glass or ceramic surfaces.
A suitable wooden or quality food-safe cutting board provides a more appropriate working surface for everyday food preparation.
It also creates a more comfortable preparation area when you're chopping vegetables, slicing meat or getting ingredients ready for the barbecue.
4. Don't Use Your Kitchen Knife for the Wrong Job
Kitchen knives are cutting tools, but that doesn't mean every knife is designed for every cutting task.
A fine-edged kitchen knife shouldn't be treated as a can opener, screwdriver or general-purpose tool. Likewise, don't assume a knife can safely cut through hard bones, frozen food or other extremely hard materials unless it was specifically designed for that purpose.
Different blade styles exist for a reason. Using the right knife for the task can improve food preparation while reducing unnecessary stress on the cutting edge.
If you're unsure which style suits a particular job, our guide to choosing the right kitchen knife can help you understand the differences between common knife types.
5. Learn the Difference Between Honing and Sharpening
Honing and sharpening are often treated as though they mean the same thing, but they serve different purposes.
Honing is generally used to help maintain or realign an existing cutting edge, depending on the knife and honing tool being used.
Sharpening involves working the blade to restore a cutting edge when it has become dull.
Knowing the difference matters because a knife that genuinely needs sharpening may not be restored simply by repeatedly using a honing tool.
6. Sharpen Your Knives When They Need It
There isn't one sharpening schedule that works for every kitchen knife.
How often a knife needs attention depends on how frequently you use it, what you cut, the blade material, your cutting surface and how the knife is maintained and stored.
Instead of sharpening according to an arbitrary calendar, pay attention to how the knife performs.
If a knife that previously sliced cleanly begins requiring noticeably more pressure or struggles with normal preparation tasks, it may be time to inspect the edge and consider sharpening.
7. Using a Whetstone
A whetstone is a traditional way to sharpen many kitchen knives and gives the user direct control over the sharpening process.
However, the correct technique, stone preparation and sharpening angle depend on the knife and the particular stone being used.
Before sharpening, check the instructions provided with both your knife and sharpening stone. Some stones require soaking or lubrication, while others are designed to be used differently.
Maintaining a consistent angle is an important part of whetstone sharpening, so take your time rather than trying to remove material quickly.
If you're unfamiliar with sharpening a particular knife, professional sharpening is also an option.
8. Store Your Knives Properly
Throwing sharp knives loose into a crowded kitchen drawer isn't ideal for the knife or for the person reaching into the drawer.
When blades repeatedly contact other metal utensils, their edges and finishes can be exposed to unnecessary wear. Loose storage can also create a safety risk.
Depending on your kitchen and the knives you own, suitable storage options can include:
- Knife blocks
- Magnetic knife holders designed for kitchen knives
- Protective blade guards or sheaths
- Knife rolls or cases
- Dedicated in-drawer knife storage
The important thing is to keep the blade protected, secure and easy to access safely.
9. Protect Your Knives When Cooking Outdoors
Knife care becomes particularly important when you're preparing food outside.
When moving between the indoor kitchen, outdoor kitchen and barbecue area, avoid carrying knives loose with other equipment. Use suitable protective storage when transporting them and keep them on a stable preparation surface while cooking.
After outdoor food preparation, don't leave knives exposed to weather or sitting wet beside the barbecue. Clean and dry them before returning them to storage.
For camping or portable outdoor cooking, secure storage becomes even more important. Knives should be protected during transport and stored safely away from children and unintended access.
10. Build a Simple Knife-Care Routine
You don't need an elaborate maintenance routine to look after your kitchen knives.
Start with the basics:
- Use an appropriate cutting board.
- Use each knife for suitable food-preparation tasks.
- Clean it carefully after use.
- Dry it thoroughly before storage.
- Store the blade securely.
- Pay attention to the condition of the cutting edge.
- Sharpen appropriately when necessary.
Small habits like these are easier to maintain than waiting until a knife is damaged or extremely dull before giving it attention.
Good Knife Care Starts With the Way You Cook
Your knives are part of the preparation that happens before everyone gathers around the table.
Whether you're slicing vegetables for an outdoor dinner, preparing meat for the barbecue or getting ingredients ready for a weekend meal with family and friends, well-maintained tools make the process more enjoyable.
Choose the right knife for the task, look after the edge and give your knives a safe place to live when the cooking is finished.
Make every meal a moment.
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