experience sharpness like never before

Proper care and maintenance are essential to keep your knives performing at their best and to extend their lifespan. Here’s how to care for both stainless and carbon steel knives to ensure they stay sharp and durable. 

1. Keep It Clean and Dry

• Always hand wash your knife with warm, soapy water.

• Avoid abrasive sponges and never place your knife in the dishwasher or leave it soaking in water.

• Use an absorbent towel to dry your knife thoroughly. Paper towels often work best for this.

2. Prevent Staining and Corrosion

• All stainless steel knives contain some carbon, which helps with sharpness. However, without proper cleaning and drying, stainless steel can develop a light hue or stain.

3. Storage Recommendations

• Store your knives on a magnetic wooden strip, in a protective saya, or in a knife roll/wrap to avoid unnecessary damage.  *See Video 1 Below 

Carbon steel blades provide exceptional sharpness but are more reactive, especially to acidic foods. 

1. Extra Precaution with Acidic Foods

• High-acid foods (like citrus, tomatoes, and onions) can corrode carbon steel if left on the blade. Rinse and dry your knife immediately after cutting these foods to prevent corrosion.

2. Oil Your Blade

• After washing and drying, apply a food-safe, neutral oil (like camellia oil) to create a protective barrier on the blade. This prevents moisture and acid damage while promoting an even patina.

• Apply a pea-sized drop of oil on the blade, spreading it evenly from spine to edge. Tip: To oil the knife's edge without touching it directly, put a small amount of oil on a towel and carefully rub it along the edge. Wipe off any excess before storing. *See Video 2 Below

Regular maintenance keeps your knife in top condition, ensuring a sharp and safe blade.

1. Professional Tune-Ups

• Even with home sharpening, a professional tune-up once a year is ideal. If you don’t sharpen your knives yourself, take them in for sharpening as soon as they start feeling dull. A sharp knife is always safer than a dull one.

2. Tools for Edge Maintenance

• Use a leather strop and honing rod to keep the blade aligned between sharpenings. While honing doesn’t sharpen, it removes microscopic steel bits, keeping the edge true.

*Following these guidelines will keep your knives sharp, resilient, and ready to handle any task in the kitchen.