How to Sharpen and Care for Kitchen Knives – A Guide to Sharpening and Storing Your Knives So They Stay in Top Condition

Why Proper Care and Sharpening Matter for Kitchen Knives

A good knife is essential in any kitchen. But even a great knife loses its edge over time if it isn't cared for properly and sharpened regularly. A blunt knife needs more pressure to cut through food, which isn't just hard work — it can also lead to accidents. Regular care and proper sharpening are what keep your kitchen knives performing well and help them last longer. In this article, you'll find everything you need to know about sharpening and storing your knives, so they stay in top condition.

1. When Should You Sharpen Your Knife?

There's no hard and fast rule for when to sharpen your knife, but there are a few signs worth watching for:

• Cutting feels blunt: if you notice the knife struggling to cut through food, or needing more pressure than usual, it's time to sharpen it.
• A rounded edge: sharp blades have a clear, straight edge. If you notice the edge looking slightly rounded or wavy, it's worth working on it with a knife sharpener or whetstone.
• Ragged edges: if the blade has nicks or worn patches, that's a sign it needs sharpening.

2. Knife Sharpener vs Whetstone – Which Tool Is Right for You?

There are several ways to sharpen a knife, and which one suits you depends on your experience and the result you're after:

• Knife sharpener: a knife sharpener is simple to use and ideal for beginners who want to sharpen their knife quickly and effectively. There are various models, from manual to electric. A knife sharpener is a quick way to keep a knife's edge, without much effort.
• Knife grinder: a knife grinder is a more precise way to bring your knives back into shape. It's usually a device that works with sharpening stones and gives you fine control over the process. This method suits experienced users who want to sharpen their knives with real precision.
• Whetstone: a whetstone is the traditional way to sharpen a knife, and one favoured by many professionals. It lets you give the blade a fine edge by drawing it across the stone at a set angle. This method takes a bit of practice, but it delivers really good results and can add significantly to how long your knife lasts.

3. How Do You Sharpen a Knife Properly?

Whatever you use — a knife sharpener, a whetstone or a knife grinder — it's important to hold the knife at the right angle. Most knives should be sharpened at an angle of around 20 degrees, which gives a good balance between sharpness and how well the edge holds up. Here are a few tips:

• With a knife sharpener: simply draw the knife through the sharpener, following the manufacturer's instructions, and keep the movement even with steady pressure.
• With a whetstone: wet the stone and keep the angle steady as you draw the blade across it in gentle, even strokes. Start with a coarser stone to smooth out any bigger irregularities, then move to a finer one for the final edge.
• With a knife grinder: guide the knife through the sharpening mechanism at a steady angle, letting the blade glide evenly across it until you reach the sharpness you want.

4. How Do You Look After Your Kitchen Knives Properly?

Alongside regular sharpening, proper care is just as important for how long your knives last. Here are a few key pointers:

• Cleaning: wash your knives by hand in warm water with a mild washing-up liquid. Avoid the dishwasher — the high temperatures and harsh cleaning action can damage both the blade and the handle.
• Drying: dry your knife straight after washing with a soft cloth, to prevent rusting. Make sure the handle is dried thoroughly too.
• Oiling: if your knife has a wooden handle, rub in a little vegetable oil now and then, to keep the wood supple and stop it from cracking.

5. Storing Your Knives Properly: Knife Block, Magnetic Strip or Blade Guard?

Storing your knives properly matters just as much as caring for them. Store them the wrong way, and the blades can get damaged or blunt faster. Here are a few options for storing your knives properly:

• Knife block: a knife block is a popular and safe way to store knives. It protects the blades and stops them rubbing against other surfaces. Just make sure the slots aren't too tight, so the blades don't get damaged going in and out.
• Magnetic knife strip: a magnetic knife strip is a space-saving way to store your knives while keeping them within easy reach. If you go for a magnetic strip, make sure the blades aren't rubbing against the wall or other metal parts, to avoid damage.
• Blade guard for storage: a blade guard protects your knives from scratches and damage. If you're transporting a knife or want to store it safely, a plastic or leather blade guard is a good option, especially for knives with more delicate edges.

6. How Often Should You Touch Up Your Knife's Edge?

Even with regular sharpening, knives can still lose their edge over time. Touch it up whenever you notice the blade cutting less efficiently, or the edge feeling less precise than it did at the start. With a really good knife, sharpening it every few months is often enough. Depending on how often you use it, though, it can be worth touching it up more frequently.

In Short: Proper Care for Knives That Last

Regular care and proper sharpening are what get the most out of your kitchen knives' performance and lifespan. With a knife sharpener, knife grinder or whetstone, you can keep your knives sharp and ready to use. And make sure you store them properly too — whether that's in a knife block, on a magnetic strip or in a blade guard. You'll find the right sharpener in our sharpening collection.