Kitchen Knife Care: A Major Investment
Good kitchen knives can be a major investment and if properly cared for, they can last a lifetime. Cleaning knives after each use will keep them in the best condition and promote food safety. Mild soapy water cleans without damaging and washing by hand only takes a minute and really takes care of your knives. Never use a dishwasher for cleaning your good knives (kitchen or other wise). Doing so could possibly remove the temper from the edge and render the blade soft so it will not hold an edge. When cleaning your knives make sure that the blades don’t touch or bump other objects. The water jets in the dishwasher can knock your knives into other hard objects. Remember that the precision ground cutting edge may be damaged if it strikes other cutlery, pots or pans.
Always use an appropriate cutting board in the kitchen to get the most of the sharpness of your knives. Use a cutting board material that is easy to clean and soft. We recommend natural wood or synthetic chopping boards like soft polyethylene. Never use glass, ceramic, metal, marble or any other hard surface as a cutting board as this can have a damaging effect on your knives. When chopping foods that have a tough or waxy exterior such as bell peppers, chop with the waxy side down, as the more tender inside flesh is easier on knife blades.
Cross-contamination is a major food-safety concern. Bacteria transferred from knives and work surfaces, such as cutting boards, to other foods can lead to food poisoning. Mild soapy water cleans and sanitizes if you wash your hands, the cutting board and the knife. Thorough and consistent cleaning for knife care and food-safety is recommended.
Knives require a safe dry storage place and a knife block is perfect for storing knives. Knife blocks will prevent injury and protect the blade from being damaged. The storage room for kitchen knives should be low in himidity and cool.
Knife collection care
Remember to take good care of your knife collection, as you are the curator during your lifetime for future generations to enjoy. Moisture and fingerprints are the prime villains to avoid. Check your knife collection periodically and keep your knives in a dry location. A good rule to follow is to make sure the room that you store your knives in is comfortable for you to stay in, then it is more likely to be a good storage place for your knives. The storage room should be low in humidity and cool. Avoid areas with a high relative humidity or a great shift in temperatures. Relative humidity can be high in attics and basements, especially if they are unheated or uninsinuated. Moisture from condensation can come into contact with your knives if they are stored in such areas. If you live where it is humid use silica gel or other desiccants (a drying agent) to help keep your knives dry by placing them in a strong plastic bag that has no holes and can be closed tight. Use desiccants for short-term storage only. Make an asserted effort to wipe your knives at least once a month. Your collection can lose value very quickly if you allow your knives to deteriorate from lack of care and maintenance.
If you think that your knife collection has significant value, consult a professional. Many valuable objects, knives included are damaged by people using the wrong preservation or cleaning techniques. If you are going to clean your own knives, practice on common knives until you get the hang of things.
R. H. Forschner 8-Inch Chef’s Knife, Black Fibrox Handle by Victorinox: The R H Forschner by Victorinox Chef’s Knife features an 8-inch blade that is 2-inches wide at the handle. High carbon, stainless steel blade is hand finished at Victorinox in Switzerland by skilled craftsmen. A special tempering process is used to produce an edge that can be resharpened over and over again, so the knife can keep its original sharpness throughout the entire life of the blade.
J.A. Henckels Twin 3 piece Starter Set: The J.A. Henckels International Fine Edge Synergy 3-pc. Knife Set is a great starter set. The blades are durable stainless steel and the contoured, riveted handles are easy to grip and include a partial stainless steel cover for style and durability. Knife set includes: 2-3/4″ paring, 6″ utility and an 8″ chef.
Ginsu International Traditions 14-Piece Stainless Steel Knife Block Set: The blade of each knife was forged from Japanese 420 series stainless steel with full tang for increased balance and permanence. The hygienic stainless-steel construction resists rusting, staining, and corrosion. The craftsmen at Ginsu employ a specialized Symmetric Edge technology, notching matching serrations on both sides of the blade for enhanced precision and smoothness for left- and right- handed users alike. The balanced two-dimensional serration eliminates the need for sharpening these knifes. Stainless-steel handles are curved to provide an ergonomically-friendly hold for chefs. The knife block features sturdy hardwood construction to protect knives and permit quick access while cooking.
J.A. Henckels International Everedge 13-Piece Knife Set with Bonus Cheese Knife: The blades in this set of slim, lightweight knives are stamped in stainless steel, and their edges are microserrated and therefore touted as never needing sharpening. The handles are formed of tough polypropylene and are seamless, allowing for better hygiene. The set includes six kitchen knives, six 5-inch steak knives, and a rubber-footed wood block that has slots for them all. The kitchen knives include an 8-inch chef’s knife with a curved blade for rocking through a chopping task; a 5-inch tomato knife with a narrow, curved blade; an 8-inch bread knife; a 6-inch utility knife; a 6-inch boning knife for meats, poultry, and fish; and a 2-1/2-inch paring knife for peeling and cleaning vegetables and fruits. As a bonus, a pronged-tip knife designed to slice cheese and spear the slices is included. While the knives are dishwasher-safe, they should be hand washed to preserve their edges.
Calphalon Cutlery 2 Pack – 5″ and 7″ Santoku: Calphalon Everyday Cutlery is made from high carbon, no-stain stainless steel and offers one-piece, forged construction for lifelong durability. The full tang design provides better balance and superior strength. A triple-riveted, hygienic fiberglass-reinforced poly resin handle will not absorb moisture, crack, split, or chip. Everyday cutlery is backed by a lifetime warranty.
Smith’s SPT Pull-Thru Carbide & Ceramic Kitchen Knife Sharpener by Smith Abrasives: Sharpens straight and serrated edges. Pre-set crossed carbides and ceramic stones provide the Perfect Edge every time. Carbides provide quick edge setting capability even for very dull edges. Specially shaped ceramic stones are designed to produce a razor sharp edge on standard and serrated edges. Ergonomic soft-grip rubber handle for comfort and non-slip rubber feet for safety.
Mercer Cutlery Genesis 6-Piece Knife Block Set with Tempered Glass Block by Mercer Tool: 6-piece Genesis Collection knife block set with tempered glass block. Includes: 3-1/2-inch paring, 5-inch utility, 8-inch chef’s, 8-inch bread, 6-inch boning, and glass knife block. Single-piece forged German steel for a high-carbon, no-stain blades. Black Santoprene nonslip handles with excellent comfort and safety. Wash by hand; made in Taiwan with European technology and components.
Cuisinart 20-Piece Cutlery Set: Cuisinart’s 21-piece triple riveted knife set is made of forged stainless steel and includes everything necessary to prepare your favorite recipes. The set includes: an 8-inch chef knife, an 8-inch serrated bread knife, an 8-inch slicer, a 7-inch santoku knife, a 6-inch chef knife, a 5.5-inch serrated knife, a 5-inch santoku knife, a 4.5-inch serrated utility knife a 3.5-inch paring knife, eight 4.5-inch steak knives, a sharpening steel, an 8-inch all-purpose household shears, and a wooden storage block. Also included is a bonus 8 by 11-inch poly cutting board designed especially for chopping, slicing, and mincing meat, poultry, and cheese without sticking or tearing.
Farberware 23 Piece Classic Forged Knife Set by Lifetime Brands: With the Farberware 23-pc. Classic Forged Knife Set on your kitchen counter, you’ll always have the right tool for the task. The high-carbon stainless steel blades are precision ground, so each knife has an extremely sharp, fine edge. The bolsters are made extra wide with safety in mind, so you’ll always have a firm grip. Oversize stainless steel rivets secure the full-tang blades to the handles, ensuring that your knives will last for years. Set includes 3.25″ bird’s beak paring knife, 3.25″ and 4″ traditional parers, 5″ serrated utility, 5″ conventional utility, 6″ and 8″ chef’s, 6″ cleaver, 6″ boning, 6″ fork, 8″ slicer, 8″ bread, 8″ all-purpose shears, eight 4.5″ stamped steak knives and an 8″ sharpening steel. The knives fit neatly into the sturdy wooden block holder.
Kitchen Hand Knife Sharpener by BrandsOnSale: Tungsten sharpener. Protective finger guard. Fits most standard blades.
MIU Stainless-Steel 15-Inch Magnetic Knife Storage Bar: Magnetic knife-storage bar; makes it easy to store and retrieve cutlery. Made of brushed 18/10 stainless steel. Magnet grips blades firmly. Dishwasher-safe; comes with mounting hardware. Covered by lifetime warranty.
Ginsu Carving Center: Cordless Electric Knife. Stainless steel blades for strength and durability. Serrated knives never need sharpening. Compact Euro design saves counter space. SOFT GRIP Santoprene ® handles for comfort. Also includes a cordless electric kitchen knife with 1 set of blades shears a Euro style wood block with built-in charge and NiCd battery system for continuous charging and full power anytime.
AccuSharp Knife & Tool Sharpener: Finally, a Knife Sharpener anyone can use! No more messy oils or stones. In about 10 seconds, AccuSharp sharpens knives, (even serrated knives), cleavers, axes, machetes, and many other cutting tools. The large ergonomic handle fits either hand safely and securely. The full length finger guard protects your fingers. Sharpening blades are Diamond Honed Tungsten Carbide for years of reliable use. AccuSharp Knife Sharpeners will not rust and can be cleaned with soap and water or in the dishwasher. Sportsmen, Cooks, Craftsmen, Gardeners, and many more, all need the easy-to-use, affordable AccuSharp line of knife and tool sharpeners.
