Knives are like your trusty sidekick in the kitchen, always ready to help you chop, slice, and dice your way to culinary greatness. But like any good partner, they need a little TLC from time to time to keep them sharp and ready for action. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how to take care of your kitchen knives, and give you some tips on how to sharpen them to a razor’s edge.
How to maintain your kitchen knives
First things first, cleaning your knives after every use is a must. Think of it like washing the dishes after a big feast, it’s just good manners. Use warm, soapy water and a soft cloth to give them a good scrub, and make sure to dry them thoroughly before putting them away. If you have a knife with a wooden handle, try not to soak it in water, otherwise, you might end up with a warped or cracked handle – not a good look.
When it comes to storage, think of your knives as delicate pieces of art that need to be protected. Store them in a knife block or in a drawer with a protective knife guard to keep them safe from harm. And if you choose to store them in a drawer, make sure they’re arranged in a way that prevents the blades from clanging together. We wouldn’t want any “Mrs. Doubtfire” situations in the kitchen, now would we?
When it comes to cutting boards, choose wisely. Cutting on hard surfaces like stone or metal will dull your knives faster than you can say “Top Chef.” So opt for a cutting board made of wood or plastic. And if you’re the type who likes to keep things organized, consider using different cutting boards for different types of food to prevent cross-contamination. It’s like keeping your knives in their own little “Avengers” team, each with a specific mission to complete.
Sharpening your knives is like getting a haircut, it’s a necessary evil that should be done regularly. A dull knife can be dangerous and makes cooking feel like such a chore. There are several methods for sharpening knives, including using a sharpening stone, a honing rod, or an electric sharpener. Aim to sharpen your knives every 6-12 months or whenever you feel like they’re not cutting like they used to. At home, I use a sharpening stone I got from Lazada a couple of years ago and it’s still the best and trustiest sharpener I have. Every 6 months I take it to the market to have it professionally sharpened and there’s no better feeling than using newly sharpened knives!
Tips for sharpening knives:
- If using a sharpening stone, start with a coarse grit to fix any chips or nicks in the blade, then move on to a finer grit to hone the edge. It’s like a “wax-on-wax-off situation. Follow Mr Miyagi’s advice and be patient. I once attended a Knife Skill Class at The Maya Kitchen and this is one of the first thing they taught.
- If using a honing rod, hold the knife at a 20-degree angle and run the blade along the rod, moving from the handle to the tip of the blade. Repeat this process several times on each side of the blade. It’s like a workout for your knife. (and your arms lol)
- If using an electric sharpener, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and be careful not to over-sharpen the blade. We don’t want to turn your knife into a swiss cheese knife by mistake.
Top knife sharpener brands to consider:
- Chef’s Classics – A brand that offers a range of manual and electric sharpeners designed for both kitchen knives and outdoor knives.
- Chef’sChoice – A leading brand in knife sharpening technology, Chef’sChoice offers a range of electric and manual sharpeners designed for both home and professional use.
- Smith’s – A brand that offers a range of affordable manual knife sharpeners, including pocket sharpeners and bench sharpeners.
- PriorityChef – A brand that offers a range of affordable electric knife sharpeners, including 2-stage and 4-stage sharpeners.
- Suehiro Cerax Whetstone– A Japanese brand that offers a simple tool to sharpen blades.
These are just a few of the top knife sharpener brands available at Lazada. When choosing a brand, it’s important to consider the type of knives you have, as well as your personal preferences and level of experience.
So there you have it, taking care of your kitchen knives is a no-brainer. By following these tips, you’ll have a set of sharp, reliable knives that will make cooking feel like a breeze. So go ahead, give your knives some love, and enjoy the benefits of having a sharp set of kitchen sidekicks for many meals to come!
