As the old saying goes, a skilled craftsman must first sharpen his tools to excel in his work. Just like a swordsman's sword, a chef's knife holds immense importance. To ensure smooth usage and prolong the lifespan of this essential tool, daily maintenance and care are crucial. Many households opt for expensive kitchen knives to enhance their cooking efficiency. High-quality knives can indeed make kitchen tasks easier. However, regardless of the knife's cost or craftsmanship, it cannot maintain its sharpness on its own. Improper usage can result in wear, rust, and other issues. So, how can you ensure your kitchen knife stays sharp, rust-free, and lasts longer? Today, our editor presents to you a comprehensive guide on caring for kitchen knives!
01 Tips for Maintaining Knives of Various Materials
Proper maintenance of kitchen knives is essential, and it varies depending on the material and usage of the knife. Kitchen knives can be generally categorized into stainless steel, carbon steel, alloy steel, and ceramic. Each type requires specific maintenance methods.
Stainless Steel Kitchen Knife
Stainless steel knives are the most commonly used kitchen knives in households. These knives are usually labeled with numbers like 5Cr15MoV, which indicates the percentage of carbon and chromium present in the knife. Due to the presence of active metals other than iron, stainless steel knives are resistant to rust, have an attractive appearance, and are easy to maintain.
——Maintenance method——
Do not soak in water for a long time
Clean and dry promptly after use
Store in a dry, ventilated environment away from direct sunlight
Sharpening method: sharpening rod
Carbon Steel Kitchen Knife
Carbon steel kitchen knives are made of relatively hard material, are sharp and easy to polish, and provide a satisfying cutting experience. Typically, carbon steel knives generally contain no or very little chromium, making them very susceptible to rust and require frequent maintenance in daily use.
——Maintenance method——
Scrub the blade carefully with a small amount of dishwashing liquid after use
Dry promptly with a dry soft cloth
Apply some carbon steel kitchen knife maintenance oil
Store in a dry, ventilated environment away from direct sunlight
2000 mesh sandpaper can be used after rust
Erase the rust spots
Sharpening method: Sharpening stone
Alloy Steel Kitchen Knife
Alloy steel kitchen knives possess remarkable qualities. They are highly resistant to rust and can maintain their sharpness for an extended period.
——Maintenance method——
If the knife is not used for a while, it should be oiled and stored properly. This helps prevent rust by keeping out air.
You can choose olive oil or castor oil to coat the kitchen knife, and then wrap it in anti-rust paper.
Store the knife in a moisture-proof, ventilated place.
Sharpening method: Sharpening stone
Ceramic Kitchen Knife
Ceramic kitchen knives possess a sleek and lightweight design, making them easy to handle. They are highly resistant to extreme temperatures, and corrosion, and maintain their sharpness for a long time without rusting. These knives excel at preserving the delectable flavors of ingredients. They are perfect for cutting, peeling, and slicing tasks. However, due to their brittleness, they are not recommended for handling tough ingredients or engaging in activities like patting, prying, or knocking.
——Maintenance method——
Whetstones and sharpening sticks do not work well with high-hardness ceramic knives. If the knife needs to be sharpened, it must be left to a professional or the manufacturer. Don't drop it, because if the blade accidentally hits the floor, it will break and shatter.
02 How to prevent kitchen knives from rusting?
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Avoid humid environments and contact with corrosive items
Knives can easily rust if left in a humid environment for a long time. Acidic fruit juices, hand sweat, oil stains, etc. can easily corrode the blade, so it is recommended to avoid contact with such items.
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Wipe and clean the knife promptly after use
After using the kitchen knife, first wash it with running water, then wipe it clean with a dry cotton cloth or towel, and place it in a ventilated and dry place, which can greatly reduce the probability of rust.
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Oil your knife regularly
Kitchen knives should be coated with a layer of protective oil after cleaning or when they are not used for a long time. Because after applying knife oil, a protective film will be produced within a period of time, which not only prevents the tool from rusting, but also has a lubricating effect.
03 How to determine whether the knife is blunt?
Many people who don't know how to use knives will use very violent methods such as cutting wires and thick wood to test the sharpness of the knife. In fact, these practices are not advisable. Not only will this fail to test whether the knife is sharp, it will also cause permanent damage to the knife.
How to tell if a knife is dull?
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Is the cutting fast and smooth?
If you can't cut quickly with less force or if the cutting surface is uneven, your knife is dull.
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Paper cutting test
Take a flat and smooth piece of paper and cut it twice with a knife. If it doesn't cut cleanly, it means the knife is dull.
Upon reading this, I am certain that you will agree that taking care of your knife is very important. It is crucial to not only be able to use the knife effectively but also to maintain it properly. Regular cleaning, maintenance, and sharpening of the knife will guarantee a smooth cutting experience, enabling you to achieve your cooking goals with ease!