The chef’s knife is the most versatile knife in the kitchen. Whenever it’s about a professional touch in chopping ingredients, a chef’s knife is always one of the top listed kitchen tools.
This kind of knife is considered to work as the right hand of a chef or cook. But to increase the longevity of its amazing performance, proper maintenance is needed.
But how to take care of a Chef’s Knife?
Carbon steel and stainless steel are the two main materials of chef knives. These are quite likely to react to the environment. As a result, rust, darken over time, and many more damages can cause after a few months.
So, if your chef knife has any of these problems it’s time for a knife maintenance routine to get back a healthy one. Below we have suggested some amazing ways to take better care of your favorite chef knife.
Let’s dive in.
The 3 Basic Cares
While talking about a kitchen knife maintenance the three most important part that plays a major role is-
- Wash and Dry
- Sharpen Your Knife
- Storing Appropriately
Let’s know about these key steps of taking good care of a chef’s knife. Here you go.
Wash and Dry
If you want your good knife to remain good, you need to wash it properly. It’s mandatory to wash your knife every time after using it. However, you can’t wash it like other kitchen tools. Follow these washing tips below for better care.
- Tip 1: Wash your knife with lake warm water every day after use. Never use soap or other liquids to wash it off. Go for the natural remedies instead.
- Tip 2: Wash your chef knife with baking soda if it is rusty. Just apply some baking soda and water on top of your knife blade and scrub with a scrubber well. Rinse in water and your knife is super clean.
- Tip 3: Wash it off with vinegar. Just add some vinegar and the same amount of water in a bowl and put the knife into it. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Next, take it out and brush or scrub it well to take out the rust or dirt.
It’s equally important to dry your knife well before you store it. A wet knife can cause stubborn rust. So, don’t take a chance. Use a cotton towel to soak the water from your knife properly. Cotton towels are better than synthetic ones.
Sharpen Your Knife
Have you even though of sharpening your knife for better work? Well, in order to hold the sharpness sharpening of the blade is a major task.
Well, sharpening twice a week is a good idea but it’s more preferred to do this anytime you feel the sharpness is lost. It’s an easy task. Here are the ways you may go with.
Honing Steel:
It’s basically a steel stick that works to bring back the sharpness of your knife. To sharpen your knife with it set the stick on a table and place the tip of it on a cloth for stability.
Now, hold your knife tight and give some stroke with the stick. Rub the blades with it and make sure both the blades touch the steel one after another. You are done with the task.
Whetstone:
This is a special type of stone for sharpening knives. You can purchase it online or from any nearby grocery store. Here is what you have to do.
Take the stone and submerge it in water and let it soak for 5 minutes. After that take it out and bring your knife. Now, rub the blade of your knife with the top of the stone. Do this for several times. You are done.
Knife Sharper:
This is a small knife sharping tool. It’s quite easier to sharpen your chef knife with this amazing mini tool. Just some fine knife strokes and it’s all set.
Storing Appropriately
We often neglect following a proper storing system for our knives. But while talking about proper knife maintenance, storing your knife appropriately is a must.
Do you store your knife in a proper way? If not, let’s know some safe ways to store your chef knife.
- Magnetic Knife Strip: This is the most preferred knife storing tool yet. Just attach the tool anywhere in your kitchen wall and store the knife with zero trouble. As the strip is magnetic it will hold the knife immediately you put it on the tool.
- Knife Blocks: These wooden, plastic or steel made blocks have so many options to store a lot of knives at a time. It gives the user an easy to access facility as well.
- Knife Drawer: Knife drawer organizers are also a good option. It’s quite comfortable to store your knives in a drawer. But many people says if you don’t pay attention you might damage the blades while dragging the drawers out. Otherwise, it can be a good way too.
Related Post: How to Choose the Best Chef’s Knife?
Tips for Chef’s Knife Care
Well, you’ve already known about the three most important maintenance of a chef’s knife but there are some more tips for you to confirm the best care. I am revealing those key tips here.
- Never put your chef’s knife in a dishwasher. It can be very dangerous and damaging also.
- Always wash your chef’s knife with hand
- Never let your chef’s knife soak water for a long time. It’s an alarm for upcoming rust.
- Don’t be a lazy, dry your knife immediately after use.
- Wash and clean the knives handle regularly for a safe grip.
- Pay extra attention in wash and dry if you have a carbon steel knife.
Verdict
This content is a complete guide full of knife care ideas and a bunch of knife maintenance kit that can lend you great help. If you just bought a new chef’s knife follow these tips for long-lasting use and if you already own one go with the instruction for a better experience with your chef knife.
Thanks for being with us. Hope the content was helpful.