How to Care for Professional Knives 

Professional chefs know that the heart of a great kitchen lies in its knives. The effort put into honing, sharpening, storing, and caring for these knives not only preserves their functionality and safety but also reflects the value placed on your commercial kitchen’s food preparation. A well-maintained chef or kitchen knife is a testament to the chef’s commitment to their craft. Investing in quality collection of knives and adhering to recommended maintenance practices will extend the lifetime of your blades. This comprehensive guide delves into the essential aspects of maintaining professional knives, ensuring their optimal sharpness and your safety. 

The Importance of a Sharp Knife Edge 

A sharp knife is the cornerstone of safe and efficient food prep. Unlike a dull blade, which can slip and requires more force and therefore increases the risk of injury, a sharp edge allows for precise, effortless cuts. Regular honing and sharpening are the keystones of knife upkeep.  

Understanding the difference between honing and sharpening is crucial. While honing maintains the edge’s alignment, sharpening is necessary when the blade becomes dull and honing no longer restores its sharpness. 

Honing, which should be done before each use, realigns the knife’s edge, maintaining its sharpness. This process involves sliding the knife across a steel rod, smoothing out the microscopic teeth of the edge. Properly honing a knife blade takes practice and is worth taking the time to learn the proper technique.  Ensure your honing steel is longer than your knife and have an HRC (Hardness Rockwell C) higher than your knife blade. 

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In contrast, sharpening, which is needed periodically, reshapes a dulled edge by removing small amounts of metal. Sharpening is required when honing will not bring the edge back to sharpness.  When you sharpen a blade, you are grinding away some of the metal of your blade. This can be done using a whetstone, manual (or pull-through) sharpener, electric sharpener or using a professional sharpening service.  

Regardless of which sharpening method you choose; we strongly suggest you refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.  Understand what type of blade edge your knife has; there’s a significant difference in how to sharpen a symmetrical Western double-beveled edge and an asymmetrical Asian single-beveled knife.  You should know the angle of the bevel (typically 20° for Western style, 15° for Asian style), if it is a single or double bevel (most kitchen knives are double-beveled) and if the blade is symmetric (same angle on both sides) or asymmetric (different angles on either side).   

Safe Knife Storage to Protect Your Investment 

Proper storage of knives is crucial for protecting your investment and ensuring safety in the kitchen. Storing knives loosely in a drawer is a common mistake that can lead to accidents and damage to the knives themselves. To avoid this, several storage options can be considered: 

1. Knife Blocks: These are a traditional and convenient way to store knives on the countertop. They provide easy access; however, they take up valuable counter space and may not accommodate larger or uniquely shaped knives. When choosing a knife block, select one that fits your set’s size and shape. It’s also important to regularly clean the block to prevent dirt and moisture buildup, which can be detrimental to the knives. If your kitchen has multiple workstations, each may require its own block. 

2. Magnetic Strips: Wall-mounted magnetic strips offer a space-saving solution. They allow you to display your knives and keep them within easy reach. Ensure the magnetic strip is strong enough to hold the knives securely and consider the potential for scratches when using this method. 

3.  Knife Rolls: For chefs on the go, knife rolls are an excellent option. They offer easy transportability and protect the knives by keeping them separate, preventing blade contact. Knife rolls often have additional compartments for other culinary tools, making them a practical choice for mobile chefs or culinary students. 

4. Drawer Storage: If drawer storage is the only option, it’s essential to use individual knife guards. These guards protect both the knives and your fingers when reaching into the drawer. 

Special considerations should be made for storing serrated knives and specialty knives, like Japanese or ceramic knives. Serrated knives should be stored in a way that prevents the serrated edge from rubbing against other surfaces, which can dull the edge. Japanese knives often require specifically sized blocks or slots due to their unique shapes.  

To maintain the optimal performance of your chef knives, proper cleaning and care are indispensable. The dishwasher, often seen as a convenient cleaning solution, is detrimental to your knives. The harsh environment inside a dishwasher – high temperatures, moisture, and abrasive detergents – can degrade the edges, and in some cases the knife handles, over time. Instead, hand washing, rinsing, and sanitizing after every use is the recommended practice. This method not only ensures cleanliness but also preserves the integrity of the blade. 

Carbon steel knives demand extra attention. Known for their sharpness and precision, they are prone to discoloration and rust if not properly cared for. It’s essential to wipe them frequently and oil them regularly.  

Proper Cleaning and Care for Peak Performance  

In addition to cleaning, employing proper cutting techniques can significantly reduce wear on your knives. This includes using minimal pressure, selecting the correct knife for the task at hand, and always using cutting boards.  

Following these guidelines can extend the life of your knives, ensuring they remain sharp, safe, and effective for a long time. 

FAQ 

How often should you hone your knife blade? 

In busy commercial kitchens, knife blades should be honed before every use to maintain a sharp edge.  A sharp edge is more efficient and safer.  Honing a knife only takes a minute or two and is worth every second.  It’s better to maintain a knife regularly than to repair (sharpen) it more often. 

How often should you sharpen a knife blade? 

A knife blade should be sharpened if honing will no longer bring the edge back to sharpness. It will depend on the quality of the knife blade, how often the blade is maintained (honed) and frequency of use. 

Are magnetic knife strips a good option for knife storage? 

Magnetic strips can be a convenient and space-saving option for storing knives. They keep knives visible and easily accessible, reducing clutter on the countertop. However, ensure that the strip is strong enough to hold your knives securely. If you’re concerned about protecting your knives from potential scratches, consider using other storage options. 

What are the pros and cons of knife blocks? 

Knife blocks offer a convenient way to organize and access your knives on the countertop. The main advantage is their accessibility and the ability to keep knives safely separated. However, they can take up significant counter space and may not accommodate larger or specialty knives. Additionally, knife blocks require regular cleaning to prevent dirt and moisture buildup, which can affect the knives. 

Why use knife storage instead of drawers? 

Dedicated knife storage solutions, such as blocks, strips, or rolls, protect your knives from damage that can occur in drawers, where they may bump against other utensils. These storage methods also allow for easier and quicker access to your knives, helping to keep them organized and in good condition. 

How to store serrated knives? 

Serrated knives should be stored in slots in blocks or rolls to separate them and prevent edge damage from rubbing against other surfaces. Sheaths or guards are also effective for protecting the serrated edges of these knives. 

What are the benefits of knife rolls? 

Knife rolls are ideal for transporting knives, keeping them separate to prevent blade contact, and often include additional space for culinary tools and accessories. They offer a compact and secure way to carry your knives, making them a popular choice for chefs on the move. 

How to organize large knife collections? 

For large knife collections, consider using a combination of blocks or magnetic strips for knives used frequently, and rolls or bags for others. Organize your knives by type and frequency of use for easy access and efficient use of space. 

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