3 Clever Tips to Keep Your Japanese Kitchen Knives Sharp
Whether you are a professional chef or a passionate home cook, supplying yourself with the right set of kitchen knives is essential. Among the many products available, Japanese kitchen knives with their razor-sharp edges and aesthetic beauty are widely adored among culinary enthusiasts worldwide. However, beyond choosing the ideal set of knives you must also learn how to properly take care of them.
To keep their blades sharp and their delicate surface properly protected from scratches, rust and premature wear, you must apply the right maintenance practices. Here are 3 smart and incredibly useful ways you can try to extend the life of your Japanese kitchen knives and preserve their sharpness, beauty and overall performance.
Invest in the Right Type of Saya Sheats
When looking for the right ways to protect the blades of your Japanese kitchen knives, you may consider investing in the right type of wooden covers. For example, you may opt for a saya knife sheath made from magnolia wood that features a unique grain pattern and colour that contribute to its unique beauty and elegance. This type of wood is both durable and lightweight which makes it perfect for crafting a variety of kitchen knife sheaths.
These wooden protective covers are specifically designed to protect the blade from scratches, rust and moisture by providing your knives with an elegant and secure fit. The lightweight nature of the magnolia wood, makes these covers both practical and safe solutions during storage or transport. You can use them to provide reliable and secure protection for different types of Japanese cooking knives such as Santoku, Okimoto, Takamura, Sakura or Yanagiba. Each of these protective covers features a unique dimension which makes it perfect for a particular type of Japanese cooking knife.
For example, you may opt for a slightly smaller saya sheath to protect the blade of petty knives like Makoto Sakura and Kaiden Kodo or explore bigger covers suitable for longer and narrower blades like Santoku or Yanagiba. By carefully choosing the right type and dimension, you can provide your Japanese cooking knives with reliable and secure protection against moisture, scratches and other form of damage.
This will allow you to preserve the beauty and sharpness of your elegant cooking knives and ensure they remain in excellent condition for a long time. Most of these protective sheaths you can buy online from specialised stores Australia-wide, which provide a unique collection of high-quality Japanese knives and other useful accessories. Here you can find a wide range of protective blade covers suitable for various types of Japanese cooking knives, such as Santoku, Nakiri, or Yanagiba.
To make the right choice browse their collection of sheaths by reading carefully the descriptions and specifications about each type of cover. This will allow you to make a more informed purchase and choose the right sheath that aligns perfectly with the dimensions and style of the particular type of Japanese knife you own.
Store them Properly Using Knife Blocks or Magnetic Strips
In addition to using the right protective sheaths, you should explore other smart solutions to prolong the beauty of your Japanese cooking knives. For example, you can invest in specifically designed blocks or magnetic strips to provide proper storage space for your Japanese knife collection. These types of storage solutions come in a wide range of designs, from modern, and minimalistic to traditional and elegant.
This will allow you to pick the ideal design that matches your knife’s aesthetic and complements your kitchen’s decor. For example, if your kitchen is traditionally decorated you may opt for blocks made out of high-quality wood, such as maple or walnut that feature warm and natural tones. If, on the other hand, you prefer minimalist, modern designs, you may explore magnetic strips or wall-mounted holders made from sleek materials like stainless steel or bamboo.
Each of these designs features separate compartments or sections, which allows you to display your knives in an organised and attractive manner. This can help you not only to protect your knives from outside damage but also elevate the overall aesthetic of your kitchen by investing in stylish and practical knife organisers.
Prevent Rust and Corrosion
Keeping your precious collection of knives in specifically designed containers is no doubt important, but it’s equally essential to consider other useful maintenance practices to keep their surface shiny and always sharp. For example, you should wash your knives by hand and dry them with a soft cloth after each use to prevent oxidation and the formation of rust spots. You may as well consider storing them in dry places or applying specific types of protective oil to further protect their surface.
To achieve this, you can apply a specific type of camellia oil to provide an extra layer of protection against rust and moisture and preserve the blade’s sharpness and beauty. This coat of protective cover can create a safe barrier that prevents moisture from coming into contact with the metal by penetrating its surface. Regularly applying oil protection can extend the life of your Japanese cooking knives and keep them flawless for a very long time.
