Hey there, folks! Today we're going to talk about something near and dear to my heart: kitchen knives. I mean, what's not to love? They're sharp, they're shiny, and they make you feel like a badass when you're chopping up veggies for your stir-fry. But let's be real, If you don't take care of your knives, they're going to become duller than a butter knife in no time. So, without further ado, here's how to properly care for your kitchen knives:
Sharpening Your Knives
First up, sharpening. Now, I know what you're thinking: "Jason, I don't have time to sharpen my knives every day!" And to that, I say... tough luck, buddy. You're going to have to make time if you want your knives to stay sharp. But don't worry, it's not as scary as it sounds.
There are a few ways you can sharpen your knives, but I'm going to focus on my personal favorite: using a sharpening stone. Now, I could give you a whole step-by-step guide on how to use a sharpening stone, but let's be real... ain't nobody got time for that. So instead, here's a quick rundown: wet the stone, hold your knife at a 20-degree angle, and slide it across the stone in a circular motion. Rinse and repeat until your knife is as sharp as your wit.
If you don't have a budget and you want the genuine Japanese Stones: Check these out on Amazon: Yoshihiro Professional Grade Toishi Whetstone Set
Another oprion for you is to get the basic set that will in essence do the same thing: Keenbest whetstone complete set
Storing Your Knives
Next up, storage. You might be tempted to just toss your knives in a drawer and call it a day, but that's a big no-no. Not only is it dangerous (hello, accidentally stabbing your hand while rummaging around for a spoon), but it can also damage your knives.
So, how should you store your knives? Well, the best option is to use a knife block or magnetic strip. Not only does it keep your knives organized and easily accessible, but it also protects the blade from getting damaged. Plus, it makes you feel like a fancy chef. Win-win.
Cleaning Your Knives
Last but not least, cleaning. Now, I know some of you out there are guilty of throwing your knives in the dishwasher and hoping for the best. But let me tell you, that's a one-way ticket to dullsville. Dishwashers can be too harsh on your knives and cause them to rust or lose their edge as well as damaging the exquisite wooden handle.
Instead, wash your knives by hand with warm, soapy water and dry them immediately afterwards. And don't forget to be gentle! The blade might be tough, but the handle could be sensitive. Give it the TLC it deserves.
And there you have it! Three easy steps to properly care for your kitchen knives. So go forth, chop like a pro, and don't forget to thank me when you're sipping your fancy stir-fry with perfectly diced veggies.