Knife Care Guide

Knife Care Guide

Good maintenance is key to keeping your knife sharp, durable, and performing well. Here are expert tips to help you care for your kitchen companion.

Knife Care Guide

Knife Care Guide

Good maintenance is key to keeping your knife sharp, durable, and performing well. Here are expert tips to help you care for your kitchen companion.

This is our comprehensive guide for knife care and maintenance. Whether you're a professional chef or home cooking enthusiast, proper care is essential for preserving your knife's exceptional quality, extending its lifespan, and ensuring optimal performance in the kitchen. We've compiled detailed instructions and expert recommendations to help you maintain your valuable kitchen companion.

Chipped Knife

Avoid cutting hard items

When cutting, avoid hard items like frozen food, ice, or bones that can damage your knife's delicate edge. Japanese knives are crafted with harder steel that excels at precision cuts but requires careful handling with tough ingredients. Take extra caution when slicing dense vegetables like winter squash or pumpkin—these should be approached with proper technique and careful attention to prevent chipping of the blade's edge or tip.

Sharpening knife on whetstone

Sharpen with whetstones

Standard sharpening tools made for European steel aren't suitable for Japanese knives. For Japanese steel, we strongly recommend using a whetstone instead of a honing rod or pull-through sharpener. If you're not familiar with whetstone sharpening, we suggest having your knife sharpened by a qualified expert. To learn the basics yourself, consider watching our tutorial video series or joining one of our knife sharpening classes.

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Hand wash knife

Hand wash only

Don't use the dishwasher—harsh detergents and high heat will damage your knife. Instead, hand wash with mild soap and warm water, carefully cleaning both sides and the edge. Dry completely with a soft cloth to prevent rust. This proper care routine maintains your knife's performance and lifespan.

Rusted knife

Keep carbon steel dry

When using a high-carbon blade, wipe it frequently—especially after cutting acidic foods. Always wash and dry immediately after use, then store the knife completely dry with its edge protected in a dry place.

Apply oil to carbon steel knife

Apply oil to carbon steel

For carbon steel knives, it is essential to apply a protective layer of camellia oil after each use or before storing the knife for an extended period. This traditional blade oil creates a barrier that effectively shields the reactive carbon steel from moisture and oxidation, preventing the formation of rust. The oil should be applied carefully using a soft cloth, ensuring complete coverage of the blade.

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Knife on wooden cutting board

Cut on a proper surface

Use a cutting board made of soft materials like wood or plastic. Hard surfaces such as granite, ceramic, or bamboo will dull the blade's edge and increase the risk of damage.

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Cutting tomato safely

Use knife safely

Handle your knife with care and focus to prevent injury. While cutting, keep your fingers away from the blade's edge, maintain a firm grip on the knife, and stay attentive. When passing a knife to someone else, always present it handle-first. Store your knives safely in a knife block, magnetic strip, or blade guard when not in use.

Following these care guidelines will help maintain your knife's exceptional performance and extend its lifespan. Remember that proper maintenance is an investment in your knife's future - a well-cared-for knife will serve you faithfully for generations.

Have questions about knife care? Need personalized advice? Our knife care experts are here to help. Contact us at info@seisukeknife.com or visit us in-store for hands-on assistance.

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