Knives are one of the most essential items in a chef’s kit. Consider them an investment, and treat them with care so that they endure as long as possible. In this piece, we’ll go over the safest methods for storing knives, as well as some of the most common solutions that chefs seem to agree on.
A Note on Safe Knife Storage
Keeping your knives sharp and safe from injury requires careful storage. A knife’s effectiveness in the kitchen might be diminished if it has been dulled or chipped due to improper storage. However, if you have kids at home, carelessly stowed blades pose a potential threat.
Several Common Methods of Storing Knives
There are a few different ways to keep your blades safe, and they each have their own merits and drawbacks. Some of the more well-liked choices are as follows:
Strips of magnetic material
Magnetic strips are widely used in commercial kitchens because to their portability and ability to maximize limited counter space. They may be attached to the wall or placed within a cabinet and are often constructed of wood or metal. Thanks to the magnetic strips, you can keep your knives close at hand without cluttering your workspace.
Knife Sheaths
One traditional method of keeping knives safe is in wooden blocks called knife blocks. Often crafted from wood, they include individual spaces for each knife. There is a wide range of knife block sizes available, from those designed to store a handful of knives to those that can accommodate a whole set. Knife blocks have certain drawbacks, including the fact that they may be hard to clean and take up a lot of room on the kitchen counter.
Inserts for Drawers
If you want a more discrete solution, knife drawer inserts are available. They are usually constructed out of wood or plastic and designed to be stored in a kitchen drawer. Knives may be stored and easily accessed in their own slots. Drawer inserts have the disadvantage of being a nuisance to clean and of taking up unnecessary room in the drawers.
Sheaths for Knives That Fit Within Drawers
Protect your knives from sharpening mishaps with in-drawer knife mats, which are similar to drawer inserts but composed of a soft, cushioned material. They are easily trimmed to suit any sized drawer and are normally composed of rubber or foam. Knife mats that live within drawers are convenient, but they come with some drawbacks, such as being hard to clean and taking up too much room.
Preventative Care for Your Knives
It’s not enough to just store your knives properly, however, if you want to maintain them in tip-top shape. It’s also crucial to keep up with routine cleaning and repairs. Some advice is as follows:
- Cutlery should be washed by hand in hot, soapy water.
- Make sure your knives are totally dry before putting them away.
- Dishwashers may dull knife blades, so it’s best to avoid washing your cutlery in one.
- Be sure to use an honing rod or sharpening stone on your knives on a regular basis.
- Keep your knives where they can’t be lost or stolen.
Conclusion
To keep your knives in top condition and extend their useful lives, safe storage is a must. Magnetic strips, knife blocks, drawer inserts, and in-drawer knife mats are some of the most well-liked solutions. Be sure to keep your knives in peak shape by giving them a good cleaning and sharpening on a regular basis, regardless of whatever method you pick.
FAQs
When is the best time to sharpen knives?
Chefs suggest sharpening knives at least once a year, however how frequently is dependent on how often you use them.
Is it okay if I wash my knives in the machine?
It’s not advised since the combination of high heat and strong detergents may ruin both the blades and handles of your knives.
How should one keep a knife sheath that is rather large?
If you have a lot of knives, a knife block or magnetic strip is a terrific way to keep them all organized. Many knives may be stored neatly in one of these holders.
How can I evaluate the dullness of my knives?
You should sharpen your knives if they are no longer performing up to par. Paper cutting provides another easy exam. If the knife is dull and cannot readily cut through the paper, it has to be sharpened.
Are I able to safely keep knives of several sorts together?
As long as they’re kept separate and out of reach of each other, various knife kinds may be stored together. As an additional convenience, group knives that are similar in size and form together.