In today's culinary scene, there's nothing more valuable than a collection of kitchen knives that can effortlessly tackle the most demanding tasks day after day. Whether you're slicing, dicing, chopping or slicing, a reliable set of kitchen knives is essential to achieve optimal results when cooking. However, with so many varieties, brands and materials to choose from, it can be difficult to know which knives are best for everyday use in the kitchen.
That's why the team at Scharf Messer have made it their mission to provide you with a comprehensive guide to caring for your kitchen knives to keep them in top condition. Our aim is to provide you with the knowledge you need to ensure the best possible performance from your knives for years to come.
Like any tool, knives need proper and timely maintenance, which is achieved through proper sharpening and care. Let's explore the different types of knives and the appropriate maintenance techniques for each type.
Stainless steel knives
The most prevalent kitchen knives are made of stainless steel and are generally simple to maintain. By employing basic cleaning methods and regular sharpening, these knives can preserve their initial shape and functionality over an extended period. It's crucial to utilize a mild detergent to avoid corrosion, and a simple hand rinse after use is sufficient. When it comes to sharpening, a sharpening stone can be used to delicately grind the blade, ensuring the knife remains in excellent condition.
Carbon steel knives
Caring for knives made of carbon steel requires a little more effort as they are susceptible to rust. The blades must be oiled after use, and honing steel should be applied before and after each use to maintain their sharpness. These knives must be washed by hand to prevent damage to the blade and should not be put in the dishwasher. Despite the increased maintenance required, carbon steel knives are the easiest to sharpen and have impressive blade retention.
Sharpening knives
Sharpening knives is an important aspect of knife care and should be approached with care to avoid damaging the blades. Use a whetstone to sharpen a kitchen knife. If you are a beginner sharpener, you should use a dual grit stone that contains a medium grit for quickly sharpening the blade and a fine grit for refining the blade. For those who are more experienced with sharpening, a single grit stone is sufficient.
Regardless of the type of stone, the sharpening technique remains the same. Start by pulling the blade towards you at a 10-15° angle and focus on one side until you discover a burr. Then turn the blade over and repeat the process on the other side.
Then make several strokes on each side with a whetstone to remove any burrs and assess the edge. If the sharpness is not satisfactory, repeat the entire process until you have achieved the desired sharpness.
Storing kitchen knives
Storing kitchen knives correctly is just as important as sharpening and cleaning them. If stored carelessly, there is not only a risk of damaging the blade, but also a potential danger to yourself and others.
The best way to store kitchen knives is in a knife block, a knife rack or a drawer rack. These methods protect the blades and keep them out of reach, especially for children. It is important to store knives separately, either in individual sheaths or wrapped in cloth if stored in a drawer, to prevent them from clashing and being damaged.
Knife care
Effective care of kitchen knives is crucial for optimal performance, and a well-structured care plan is essential. The first step is to figure out what type of knife you own, as each type requires a certain level of care.
Using a sharpening stone is the ideal solution to keep blades sharp and ensure their longevity. Equally important are suitable storage solutions to keep knives safe between uses.
At Scharf Messer, you will find high-quality kitchen knives tailored to your needs. Whether you prefer stainless steel or carbon steel knives, our collection offers high-quality knives that require minimal maintenance and promise a long life.
At Scharf Messer, you can confidently discover top-notch kitchen knives tailored to your requirements. Whether you prefer stainless steel or carbon steel knives, our collection offers high-quality knives that demand minimal maintenance and promise durability over the years.