How should I properly take care of my chef knives set to make it last?

Answer 1

The safest way to sharpen a steak knife set is to take them to a person who sharpens knives professionally. The safest way to sharpen them at home is to use an electric sharpener that is designed to sharpen the kind of knives you have. If you are experienced or have someone to teach you I would consider purchasing sharpening stones.

Answer 2

Wash by hand and dry promptly. Never put your knives in the dishwasher. Rinse immediately after use when cutting acid foods such as tomatoes. Don't store them in a pile in the utensils drawer; don't drop them into a wood knife block. Keep them in plain sight on a magnetic knife holder. Sharpen them when required. A good set of carbon steel knives should last a lifetime.

Answer 3

While it may be true that many kitchen utensils are truly put to the test when it comes to durability and strength, few items are used as frequently as steak knives. There are of course multiple different levels of quality when it comes to cutlery, but the one common denominator is that steak knives will last much longer if they are properly cared for. Although the sharpening needs and guidelines can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, the following guide will help a consumer ensure that their cutlery will last as long as possible.

It is important to note that even steak knives that claim to be dishwasher safe should most likely be hand washed, and this act alone can result in an extended life. A dishwasher subjects its contents to incredibly high temperatures and can be hard on the various components on a table knife. Wood handled knives in particular must never be placed in the dishwasher because wood is porous and will trap the warm water inside. Individuals should realize that the more bacteria grows in the rain forest and in tropical areas than anywhere else, and this is due to the warm environment. Washing knives by hand does require a person to be careful, but it is much better for the cutlery.

Wood blocks can be a great way to display steak knives, but a person needs to ensure that the blade is not actually cutting into any portion of the block. Horizontal slots often leave the sharp edge resting on the wood, and every time it is removed it will dull the blade. Vertical slots are much better, but it still requires an individual to pay attention when putting away their steak knives.

The surface on which most of the cutting occurs is also going to largely depend on how much wear and tear is placed on the blades, and consumers need to learn which surfaces to avoid. Glass cutting boards and plates can be very damaging to a sharp edge, and even the utmost care can fail to protect a blade in these types of situations. As long as a person is careful not to push too hard on a less favorable surface, a good quality steak knife can probably handle the abuse.