Three Common Knife Care Myths That Hold You Back

There are many different myths out there about knives and knife care. Many of them can hold you back from achieving the results you really want. There are a few that can be more limiting than others so we've listed them out to help you! 

Myth: You Can Put Your Knives In The Dishwasher

Many people believe they can toss their knives in the dishwasher for an easy clean. In reality, the high heat and harsh detergents can damage the blade's edge and handle materials, leading to rust, degradation, and a shorter lifespan for your knife.

Instead we recommend hand washing your knives with light soap. Then dry thoroughly with a hand towel and store safely in a block or in a sheath. Just remember to keep your hands clear of the edge where you might get cut! 

Myth: Sharp Knives Are Unsafe

Some might think dull knives are safer to use as they are less likely to cause cuts. On the contrary, dull blades require more force to cut, increasing the chance of slipping and causing accidents. Keeping your knives sharp ensures safer and more precise cuts.

 The University of Rochester agrees saying "A dull blade needs more pressure to cut, increasing the change that the knife will slip with great force behind it. A sharp knife "bites" the surface more readily." 

Myth: Dull Knives Always Need Sharpening

It's a common belief that every time a knife feels dull, it requires sharpening.

However, this isn't always the case. Instead of jumping straight to sharpening, consider honing your knife first. Honing is the process of aligning the edge of the blade, which can restore sharpness without removing significant material from the blade.

Using a honing steel or a strop can keep your knife effective between sharpenings, prolonging the life of the blade and ensuring optimal cutting performance. Regular honing can significantly reduce the frequency of sharpening required, allowing your knife to maintain its edge longer and ensuring that it remains safe and efficient to use.