Cook & Chef Tips & Tricks
How to keep your knives new
Knives are basic tools in any kitchen. They are used constantly so it is worth investing in good quality knives and thus ensure that, with good and proper maintenance, will be tools that accompany us for years.
But… how can we do it?
- Always keep the knives well sharpened
It is clear that a knife that does not cut is one of the main enemies of good work in the kitchen. What is more, professionals agree that with a poorly sharpener knife, accidents or injuries can occur.
Sharpen your knives yourself, it is a relaxing activity. Get a good sharpener, like the Masterpro multi-purpose knife sharpener, and practice with cheap knives first. Another option is to take it to a good professional. Remember that it is worth investing in a tool that is used daily in the kitchen.
By the way, didn't you know that one of the things that spoils the edges of knives the most is the crust of the bread?
- Always use a cutting board
Never use a knife on marble, glass, or porcelain surfaces. Sanitary regulations in the hostelry industry only allow the use of plastic or wooden boards. The use of cutting boards will allow you to take care of the knives so that they stay longer like the first day.
- Don't wash the knives in the dishwasher.
Although most dishwasher manufacturers’ instructions state that the knives can be washed in the dishwasher, the truth is that they deteriorate in the long run because they suffer from bumping into the cutlery. In addition to the collision with other cutlery, the salts in the detergents and the use of hot water cause scratches that end up spoiling the very structure of the knife.
In many cases, the handles are made of wood or materials that do not directly support the products of the dishwasher or the temperatures reached in the washing process.
The ideal way to take care of your knife is to wash and dry it completely with a soft cloth immediately after use.
- Store them correctly
Forget about keeping all the knives in one drawer. It is important to avoid contact between blades to care for knives, since they damage the edge. Hang them from on the wall or store them in specific utensils for that use.
- Use the right knife at all times
In our post "Every kitchen knife has a function; do you know which is which?" we were already talked about the function of each knife has. It is as dangerous to cut with a badly sharp knife as it is to use one that is not the right one for the piece we have to cut up.
For example, for bread you need to use a bread knife, which is usually serrated because the crust of the bread spoils even the sharpest knives. Moreover, cutting bread with a straight edge is tremendously dangerous since it is easy for the blade to slip.
With these basic tips, your knives will last longer and you will work safely with them.