Tip #1 – Store the Cutlery Properly
One of the most common mistakes that people make is that they store the knives with other kitchen utensils. The proper way to store cutlery is separately from other utensils so that the blades don’t get damaged by foreign objects. Basically, you should have a separate storage spot that is 100% dedicated to them. This storage space can either be an entire drawer where you only place cutlery, or it can be a wooden block or a specially designed knife block that is made from a different material and that you place on the counter.
Another option that you can go with is to buy a magnetic board and place the cutlery there, thus ensuring easier access to it. However, this isn’t an option that we recommend you go with because there’s the risk that you might knock the board down, causing the blades to break on impact with the ground.
Tip #2 – Cut on the Appropriate Surface
Another rather common mistake it using the wrong cutting surface. When you use the knife for various cooking tasks, you should avoid performing the cutting on hard or metal surfaces as they directly affect the condition of the blade, making it necessary to sharpen it more often.
What you should do is cut on plastic, wood, or polyethylene as these surfaces aren’t as hard and they can’t affect the blade’s sharpness. The ultimate solution to go with would be to use a bamboo board as bamboo isn’t only friendlier to the blade but because it’s a healthier and more sanitary surface to place the foods on as well.
Check out the best bamboo cutting boards to see what are your best selections when it comes to knife-friendly surfaces to cut and prepare food items on.
Tip #3 – Avoid the Dishwasher
Although there are a lot of knives that the manufacturers promote as being dishwasher safe, it’s still not a good idea to follow this method of cleaning the cutlery, regardless of how trustworthy the brand that produces it is. We aren’t saying that the manufacturers are lying, but rather that it’s best to avoid doing this as blade sharpness decays faster if you use the dishwasher.
It might sound bothersome to wash the cutlery by hand, but the truth is that this is the safest method to go with, by far. When you’re done using it, simply use a cloth or a sponge on which you put a mild dish detergent, and gently scrub the surface of the blade with it under a jet of warm water. Make sure to rinse it well and let it air dry completely before placing it in its assigned storage space.
Tip #4 – Use the Knives As Intended
We can’t stress enough about the importance of using knives as they are intended. One of the biggest reasons why cutlery loses sharpness is because it is used for different tasks than it was designed for. For example, never use the paring knife for boning as you might end up damaging the blade, even breaking it.
What you should do is learn more about the knives that you own before you start using them in improper ways, so you should thoroughly inform yourself on kitchen knives types to avoid this occurrence and prolong blade sharpness through proper use.
Conclusion
Knives, just like all other tools you use in the food preparation process, cost quite a pretty penny upfront and need proper care and handling to be of use for years to come. Regardless of how expensive and well-built the knife is, if you don’t make sure to follow the advice provided here, chances are that blade dullness will occur a lot quicker than it would have been needed. This will result, over time, in ending the knife’s usability altogether, so take your time when it comes to care, storage, and use, as you are protecting your investment by doing so.
