The best way to care for your Japanese knife — Stay Sharp Skip to content
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Le Meilleur Moyen d'Entretenir votre Couteau Japonais

The best way to care for your Japanese knife

Japanese knives are exceptional tools, renowned for their unrivalled sharpness, precision and unique aesthetics. However, to preserve these qualities and ensure their longevity, it is essential to maintain them properly, store them correctly and use them with care. Here's a comprehensive guide to optimizing their performance and longevity. 

1. Proper use: the key to successful maintenance

Good maintenance starts with correct use. In fact, at least 75% of blade damage is due to incorrect handling on the cutting board. To prevent these problems:

  • Cut straight and steady: Adopt a stable posture and cut with a smooth, straight motion. Avoid lateral movements or twisting of the wrist, which can chip or damage the blade. A controlled cut guarantees both precision and safety.
  • Use a quality board: prefer a standing wood board that's gentle on the blade, or a Japanese Hasegawa board that offers minimal resistance yet is hygienic. An unsuitable board can wear down the blade more quickly and alter its sharpness. Visit our cutting board section.

Tip: Clean your board regularly, ideally after each use, to avoid flavor transfer and maintain a clean environment for your knives.

2. Cleaning: an essential habit

Proper cleaning is crucial to keeping your knives in perfect condition:

  • Wash the blade by hand: Use mild soap and a non-abrasive cloth or sponge. Rough sponges or aggressive cleaners can scratch the blade or alter its protective coating. Be careful not to leave food residues, especially acidic ones, which can cause corrosion.
  • Dry immediately: Use a clean, absorbent cloth to remove all traces of moisture. Don't let your knives air-dry, as this increases the risk of rust and bacterial growth.
  • Protect the handle: for handles made of wood or natural materials, cleaning with a damp cloth and a little soap is sufficient. Avoid immersing them in water, which could cause them to swell or crack. If the handle becomes dry over the years, we recommend applying mineral oil or beeswax to protect it.

3. Sharpening and honing: extend blade life

To keep your blade sharp longer:

  • Sharpen daily: Before each use, run the blade over a leather strop (stropping) or a ceramic honing rod. This simple procedure removes micro-burrs and maintains optimum sharpness. Daily maintenance can extend sharpening time by up to 20%.
  • Water stone sharpening: To recreate a sharp edge, use a Japanese water stone. Invest in stones of different grits for optimum results: a coarse stone (320-500) to recreate an edge or for major adjustments, a medium stone (800-1200) to refine the edge of the blade, and a fine stone (2000-6000) to obtain a perfect finish and an edge worthy of chefs.
  • Call in the professionals: If you're not comfortable with stones, consider a professional sharpening service. This guarantees precise maintenance and avoids mistakes that could damage the blade. Check our sharpening service page for more information.

Tip: Make sure the stone is always wet during use to avoid excessive friction and preserve the blade.

4. Storage: keeping your knives safe 

Proper storage is just as important as cleaning:

  • Use specific protections: saya (wooden sheaths) envelop the blade and prevent accidental contact. Knife roll ensure safe transport and protect each blade individually. Leather-covered magnetic holders ensure practical storage and preserve the fineness of the edge. Too see our storage options, have a look here.
  • Avoid unprotected drawers: a blade left in a drawer risks being chipped or damaged by contact with other utensils. If you must store your knives in a drawer, use protective sheaths.
  • Store in a dry place: Moisture can cause rust, especially on carbon steel blades. Make sure your chosen location is well ventilated and free from excessive humidity.

Tip: Add a bag of desiccant or chalk to your storage space to maintain a dry environment.

By following these simple but essential practices, you'll ensure the longest possible life for your Japanese knives and enjoy their exceptional performance to the full. If you have any questions or need help, don't hesitate to use our professional sharpening service for perfect maintenance. If you have any questions on how to maintain your knife, contact us here.

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