Recently got new knives? We’re sure that you thought well and hard about which knives to get, making sure that they are made of premium quality steel.
You might have even researched how to take care of them and bought the correct kind of cutting board to match.
Did you also think about the best way to store kitchen knives to protect them from being damaged? For that, we’ve got you covered.
Knife Care Basics
Before we proceed to how you can store your knives the right way, let’s first talk about basic knife care.
Making sure that your knives are properly maintained will guarantee that they stay sharp and functional for a long time.
The best way you can take care of your knives is by sharpening and honing the blade regularly.
Sharpening involves removing some materials from the blade to get back its edge. On the other hand, honing keeps and maintains the blade’s sharpness.
We don’t recommend washing your knives in the dishwasher or leaving them soaking in water. For the best care, wash them by hand using warm and soapy water.
Then, wipe the knives right after before storing them, making sure that you don’t leave it lying around the kitchen counter.
Best Way to Store Kitchen Knives
Storing your knives the right way protects its edge and maintains its performance. Do not keep them loose in the drawer.
There are several common storage styles that you can choose for your knives, which we will be checking one by one.
1. Wall Strips
One of the safest and most convenient ways to store your knives is by using a magnetic wall strip.
This storage style offers minimal contact to the knife’s blade, ensuring that the edge stays free of damage and razor-sharp.
It is also an effective way of showing off your collection.
With a wall strip, it will be easier to choose the knife that you need for a specific task.
The magnet on the strip must have the right balance to keep the knives from falling but still allow you to pull the blade gently off of it.
2. Countertop Blocks and Docks
This storage style conveniently gives you easy access to your knives as you prepare meals.
These blocks usually come with a set of knives, though you can also purchase it without them.
A knife block can also be an excellent decorative piece on your countertop. However, cleaning it might be a challenge, as it can attract debris, germs, dust, and mold.
Sliding the knives into the slots is another concern, as the process may damage the edges of the blade.
Alternatively, you can buy the universal slotless block with rubber or plastic rods connected to the base.
You can remove the rods and base and clean them in the dishwasher.
Another option is a magnetized block, which uses the magnetic wall strip principle. This option keeps the edges sharp.
3. Under Cabinet Storage
This storage style is available in two variations.
First is a block that connects to a swivel and mounted on the base of the cabinet. Second is a hanging dock with a drawer-like enclosure for each knife.
These two styles are effective in keeping the countertops free of any clutter.
4. Drawer Options
Another great option is drawer storage, as long as each one has its designated slot.
Exposing unsheathed cutlery inside a drawer is dangerous. It is also a sure way of dulling the knives as they bump with other tools.
5. Storage Bags and Cases
This additional storage option is ideal for chefs and those with a large number of knives.
Using this option offers you the chance to bring along your knife collection as you travel. It is also perfect in storing knives that you don’t regularly use.
6. Sheaths
This option is ideal if you only have a few numbers of knives to store. It is also perfect for blades that don’t fit your storage.
Knife Safety in the Kitchen
We all know that knives are essential to the kitchen but can also be dangerous. You can not avoid accidents from happening, but there are ways to prevent it.
Below are some tips to keep you safe in the kitchen.
Tip #1: Keep your knives sharp.
Having dull knives in the kitchen is more dangerous than having sharp ones. Sharp knives are more efficient and more comfortable to use, as well.
Use a sharpening steel often to hone the blade and maintain its sharpness. Sharpen the blades occasionally with a whetstone or an electric sharpener.
Tip #2: Use a chopping board.
Use a chopping board when cutting or slicing food. It’s as simple as that.
Chopping boards will protect your knife and your workspace both ways. You can place the chopping board on top of a damp towel to keep it in place.
Tip #3: Hold the knife properly.
Keep a firm grip on your knife to ensure that it will not slip.
Use your thumb and index finger to grip the base of the blade. The rest of your fingers should be on the handle for better control.
Curve your fingers like a claw while holding the food to prevent them from getting cut.
Tip #4: Use proper knife techniques.
When cutting, always slice away from your hand to keep your hand safe from the blade. Also, push the blade down in one motion for a more precise and consistent cut.
The tip of the knife should be on the chopping board as you carefully move the knife’s handle when mincing.
It is also a good idea to create a flat edge on your ingredient before cutting or slicing to give it more stability.
Tip #5: Use the right knife.
Use the knife that is meant for a specific purpose for better performance results.
Smaller knives are for more delicate jobs, while larger blades are for chopping, slicing, and cutting.
Tip #6: Store knives correctly.
Lastly, designate a storage space for each of your knives for your safety and the knife’s protection.
Keep them organized and far from children’s reach, and ensure that they are clean and dry before keeping them away.
Conclusion
Following the best way to store kitchen knives will make sure that they retain their sharpness.
More importantly, doing this will also ensure that no unfortunate fingers will get cut accidentally.
Check out our choices for the best magnetic knife holders to protect your collection.
