If you want your knives to last a lifetime, here are some easy care tips to keep them in tip top shape.
Cleaning
Avoid using the dishwasher to wash your good knives. Wash them in warm soapy water. When chopping you should also clean your knife intermittently as when food builds up on the knife blade it can cause damage to the steel. A quick rinse in warm water will do the job. When there is food build up on the blade soak it in warm water to loosen the food as scrubbing can damage the blade.
Honing
Honing the blade is not the same as sharpening. If you have a Forever Sharp Knife set honing and sharpening is not necessary. Honing keeps the blade at the right angle for the job it is designed to perform. Honing is performed using the steel tool that comes with most knife sets. Most people mistake this for a sharpening tool. When honing your knives you can run the blade the full lengthy along the knife steel. This tool should not be used by rubbing the knife metal to metal in two hands. Instead place the knife steel on the counter on a dishtowel and than slowly run the knife blade along the steel. Do this at a 20 degree angle about 10 times on each side and then wipe down the knife to remove debris.
Sharpening
Again if you have a Forever Sharp knife set sharpening is not necessary. A knife usually only needs sharpening about once a year and to be certain it is sharp slice a piece of paper with the knife. As long as it slices it is fine. A whetstone is used for sharpening but a professional sharpening service is best especially for an expensive set of knives. This will ensure you do not damage your knives in the process.
Storage and Chopping
Although many knives come in sheathes this is not the best storage for them. Instead store them in a wooden or bamboo storage block. Avoid chopping directly on counter tops, especially glass, marble and stone surfaces as this can damage the blade. Instead use plastic or wood cutting boards as these are gentle on the knife blade.
