Knives are, undeniably, one of the most essential accessories of a kitchen. Nevertheless, how many of you actually know how to care for kitchen knives properly. A dull knife can be more troublesome than a crummy cookware or lousy oven. A sharp and well-kept knife is safer and has a longer lifetime. Read on to know more about how to care for kitchen knives the right way.
Complexity Level: Easy
Time Required: 10-20 minutes ( once a week)
Resources Required:
1. A knife
Instructions:
1. Choosing the right kitchen knife
Each person is comfortable with a different knife. The best knife is the one which fits comfortably in your hand. So, always hold the knife in your hands, wrapping your palm around its bolster.
2. Sharpening the kitchen knife
Having a sharp knife will simplify your life. It works faster, is safer to use, and even keeps your hands painless. The knife may fall off from your hand and cause injury, if excess pressure is exerted on the knife.
3. How to sharpen the kitchen knives
There are two varieties of knife sharpeners available in the market – one of creating a new edge such as electric and stone sharpeners, and the others which aid in straightening and sharpening the edges. If you are using a stone sharpener for your knife, then it is advisable to grease it with mineral oil so that it remains moistened.
- For sharpening a knife, place the knife on the rougher side of the moistened stone at an elevated angle with the blade.
- Now, raise the other end of the knife to about 1.5 inches.
- Start with the thickest side of the knife, and while retaining the angle, draw a smooth arc, and finish with the knife tip.
- Repeat the process until a burr.
- Now, change the sides and sharpen the knife, placing it on the smoother side of the stone, lowering the stroke strength every time.
4. Retaining the sharpness of kitchen knives
With a clean paper towel, remove acidic food traces such as mustard, ketchup, wine, or lemon from knife sides. Clean your kitchen knife every time with a mild soap solution. With a dry towel, pat dry the moisture content. It is advisable not to put knives in dishwashers, as the friction can make the edges blunt. Keep the knives off harsh detergents and high temperature as they can damage the knife handle. Never use a chef’s knife or utility knife to sear the meat. It can bend or at times, break the knife blend.
5. Storing your kitchen knives
Choose a safe place to store your knives. It is advisable to have a knife block, preferably wooden, that has a flat base and sufficient slots for various knives. An in-drawer tray is also a good choice for storing your knives. You may also try the magnetic knife holder, provided you have a proper place for it in your kitchen. However, take care to dry the knives thoroughly before placing them in the respective slots.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What kind of knife should I use in my kitchen?
It is advisable to choose a fully forged knife for your personal kitchen. A fully forged knife is manufactured from just a single metal piece and comes with excellent rigidity and strength. You should feel comfortable holding the knife.
2. What should be the ideal length of my knife?
While a chef’s knife can be anywhere between 15 cm and 30 com, an ideal knife for your personal kitchen would be somewhere around 20 cm long.
Quick Tips:
1. Always keep the kitchen knives sharpened.
2. Wash the knives individually to avoid injuries.
3. Never use a dishwasher to wash the knives. However, if you are using one, then place the knives in such a way that they do not bang around during the cleaning process.
4. Always keep your knives away from harmful detergents, high heat, acid stains, and corrosive agents to retain its sharpness.
5. Store at a safe place.
Things To Watch Out For:
1. When using a kitchen knife, always hold the handle, keeping the sharp edge from you because if the knife slips, you will get hurt.
2. Never leave the knives loose in a drawer. If someone checks carelessly, the person will end up injuring himself.
3. Remember that a dull knife is more harmful than a sharp knife. You will have to exert more pressure while handling a dull knife, which can result in injuries.
