Quality kitchen knives are essential for butchers and chefs working in hotels, restaurants and busy kitchens. A sharp knife is important for precise, quick preparation of food and the safety of the user. However, as knives are used on a daily basis by chefs, they can soon become blunt. As suppliers of knives for sale, and to assist both professional and amateur chefs, we have compiled a list of methods to help you prolong the life time of your kitchen equipment.

1. Correct Storage

Ways in which chefs decide to store their kitchen knives can greatly diminish the length of time that they remain sharp.

Using a Metal Strip

To keep you knives in good condition, consider attaching them to a metal strip. To do so, purchase a metal strip long enough so that the knives do not rub against each other. This is a fantastic way of preserving the life of quality knives and to ensure that they do not come in contact with other utensils that may cause damage to them.

Using a Wooden Block

Storing knives by using a wooden block is a frequently used option by many chefs as it is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. However, this may result in the knife collecting bacteria from germs trapped within the storage slots. To avoid this, it is advised to ensure that the knife is completely dry before inserting it into the wooden block. Alternatively, consider purchasing a wooden block which stores the knives on their side, rather than blade first to prevent the point from becoming blunt.

Storing Knives in the Drawer

This is the most common storage method for knives as it keeps them out of children’s reach and in a convenient, accessible location. However, for chefs, it is recommended that they dedicate an entire drawerfor the storage of their knives to avoid the possibility of them becoming damaged and dull by other stored utensils.

2. Frequently Sharpen Your Knife

It is important to continuously sharpen chefs knives to increase efficiency, effectiveness and safety. Knives can either be sharpened from home by using a sharpening tool or sharpened by a trained professional.

3. Avoid the Dishwasher

Although this may seem time consuming, it is advised to hand wash quality chef’s knives as this will increase their lifespan. It is recommended to avoid putting these knives in the dishwasher, even if the manufacturer states that it will not harm the product. The reason is that knives are sensitive to the extreme heat of the dishwasher and its humidity can significantly damage the knife. The dishwasher also soaks the knife in water and can cause other kitchen equipment to rub against the knife, causing damage.

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