Knife maintenance
Whether in the kitchen, during a walk in nature, or during DIY projects, one can use a knife to cut different types of objects and materials. Each knife requires special care if you want it to be always effective when you need it most. Thus, it must be properly cleaned after use and also sharpened regularly.
These cleaning and sharpening operations depend essentially on the nature of the knife blade. You should therefore know what material the blade was made from to apply the appropriate care.
Generally, the blade of a knife has been made from ceramic, stainless steel, or carbon steel. Regardless of the main element from which the blade was manufactured, it is always preferable to clean your knife manually without using the dishwasher.
The ceramic knife is the easiest to maintain
The ceramic knife is hard; however, it is not suitable for all uses. It is preferable to use it for cutting vegetables and not meat except for filet. You must also be careful with the work surface; it is not advisable to use a ceramic knife directly on stainless steel, glass, stone, or ceramic.
After use, it can be cleaned with water and left to air dry freely as it is not corrosive. Generally, it should not require sharpening. However, if you feel that your ceramic knife needs it, you must use a specific sharpener. All accessories to take care of your knife are available on Khurts.
A stainless steel knife requires some minor care
As its name suggests, this type of knife generally does not oxidize. However, it needs to be cared for to extend its lifespan. To maintain it, try not to use overly aggressive cleaners to avoid damaging it. Clean it with mild soap and warm water after each use; dish soap is not recommended at all. Do not let it air dry but wipe it with a cotton towel.
To sharpen this type of knife, it is recommended to use a fine stone that is very abrasive.
A carbon steel knife requires some precautions
This type of knife does not have elements that protect it against oxidation, so it requires special care if you want it to last. Therefore, it is advisable to clean it with a simple clean cloth after use, without using water. However, you can use water if you wish. In this case, limit its contact with this liquid as much as possible so that rust does not affect your knife. Do not let it soak in water or air dry. Also avoid aggressive cleaning products such as dish soap and store it in a dry place.
You can sharpen it with a fine-grit stone.
Some grandmother's remedies that can restore the shine to your knife
Some grandmother's tricks can help you maintain a knife properly if you use them correctly. The potato, for example, contains starch that acts as a rust inhibitor. You need to rinse and dry your knife after carefully applying the potato starch to the blade. Heated white vinegar can also clean a blade well. Simply rub it with a cloth soaked in this substance and then wipe it with another clean cloth.
