How to Clean, Sharpen & Store Your Knives
A good kitchen knife is an investment in better cooking, but even the highest-quality stainless steel knives need proper care to maintain their performance. Keeping your knives sharp, cleaning them correctly and choosing suitable storage can make a significant difference to their lifespan. Poor knife maintenance can lead to blunt blades, corrosion and unnecessary wear.
In this kitchen knife care guide, we'll explain how to clean stainless steel knives, sharpen them with a whetstone, choose knife-friendly chopping boards and store your knives safely.
These tips apply to both our Cooks Professional Precision and Ultimate Knife Ranges, helping you keep your kitchen knives performing at their best. Haven't bought a knife set yet? Follow our PRECISION or ULTIMATE Knife Buying Guide for top tips to help you decide which sets best suit your kitchen.
How to Clean Kitchen Knives Properly
Handwashing is the best way to clean kitchen knives. It's gentler on the blade and handle, helps protect the cutting edge and reduces the risk of corrosion. Never leave kitchen knives soaking in the sink, where they can become damaged or create a safety hazard.
How to Wash Stainless Steel Kitchen Knives
1. Wash your knife by hand using warm water, mild washing-up liquid and a soft sponge.
2. Carefully clean the blade, keeping your fingers away from the sharp edge.
3. Rinse thoroughly to remove food residue and detergent.
4. Dry immediately using a clean, soft cloth.
5. Store your knife safely once completely dry.
Can Kitchen Knives Go in the Dishwasher?
No. We recommend handwashing both Precision and Ultimate kitchen knives. Even corrosion-resistant stainless steel knives benefit from careful handwashing.
Dishwashers can damage kitchen knives in several ways:
- Blunt blades: Contact with other cutlery and hard surfaces can chip or dull the cutting edge.
- Corrosion: Dishwasher detergents, moisture and prolonged exposure to heat can cause staining or corrosion.
- Handle damage: Repeated washing at high temperatures can affect handle materials and fittings.
- Safety risks: Sharp knives can cause injuries when loading and unloading the dishwasher.
How to Sharpen Kitchen Knives with a Whetstone
A sharp kitchen knife provides better cutting control and requires less force than a blunt blade. Regular knife sharpening helps maintain clean, precise cuts and makes everyday food preparation easier. For sharpening at home, we recommend the Cooks Professional Dual-Grit Whetstone Knife Sharpener.
Why Choose a Dual-Grit Whetstone?
The whetstone also includes a non-slip base, helping keep it stable during sharpening and features two sharpening surfaces:
| Grit | Purpose | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 600 grit | Coarse sharpening and edge restoration | Dull knives requiring more substantial sharpening |
| 2000 grit | Fine sharpening and refining | Smoothing and refining the cutting edge |
How to Use a Whetstone Knife Sharpener
1. Prepare the whetstone. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for soaking or wetting the stone before use.
2. Secure the stone. Place it on its non-slip base on a stable worktop.
3. Choose the correct grit. Use the 600-grit side for dull or worn edges. For routine maintenance, the 2000-grit side may be sufficient.
4. Maintain a consistent angle. Follow the knife manufacturer's recommended sharpening angle. Many Western-style kitchen knives use approximately 15–20° per side, but this varies.
5. Sharpen both sides. Move the blade carefully across the whetstone, maintaining consistent pressure and angle.
6. Refine the edge. Use the 2000-grit side to smooth and refine the cutting edge.
7. Clean and dry. Remove sharpening residue, rinse the knife carefully and dry it thoroughly before storage.
Top tip: Consistency matters more than speed. Maintaining the correct sharpening angle helps produce a more even cutting edge and reduces unnecessary removal of blade material.
How Often Should You Sharpen Kitchen Knives?
Sharpening frequency depends on how often you cook, the blade material and the cutting surfaces you use. A knife that struggles to slice a tomato cleanly or requires noticeably more pressure may need sharpening. Avoid excessive sharpening, as every sharpening session removes a small amount of metal from the blade.
Both our Precision and Ultimate Knife Ranges benefit from regular maintenance, although the higher-grade X50 CRMOV15 stainless steel used in our Ultimate Range generally offers better edge retention than the 3CR13 steel used in our Precision knives.
How to Store Kitchen Knives Safely
Proper knife storage is essential for protecting the cutting edge. Allowing knife blades to knock against other utensils or hard surfaces can cause scratches, chips and premature dulling.
Are Knife Blocks Good for Knives?
Yes. A well-designed knife block can protect your knives while keeping them organised and accessible. Our range of Cooks Professional Knife Blocks are constructed specifically for our knife ranges, with space for blades to move around without getting damaged
When choosing a knife block, make sure the sharp cutting edges do not rub against the holder or other knives. Insert and remove knives carefully to minimise contact with hard surfaces. For help selecting the right storage solution, explore our Knife Block Buying Guide.
At Cooks Professional, we stock a selection of Knife Blocks, including:
- Bamboo Magnetic Knife Blocks: Keep knives visible, organised and easily accessible (available in two sizes).
- Bamboo Knife Blocks: Offer a natural finish and practical countertop storage with slots for suitable knives.
- Glass and Bamboo Knife Blocks: Provide a contemporary and stylish storage option.
Can You Store Kitchen Knives in a Drawer?
Yes, but always use a knife protector or blade guard when storing loose kitchen knives in a drawer. Unprotected blades can collide with other cutlery, damaging their cutting edges and creating a risk of injury. A dedicated knife organiser is another suitable option.
What Is the Best Chopping Board for Kitchen Knives?
The surface you cut on plays an important role in maintaining knife sharpness. A suitable chopping board should provide a stable cutting surface without being excessively hard on the blade.
Bamboo Chopping Boards are a practical choice for everyday food preparation. They provide a hardwearing surface while being more forgiving on knife edges than glass, marble or stone. Our Cooks Professional Bamboo Chopping Board Range are designed for knife longevity and combine durable construction with a natural finish, making it a good companion for both Precision and Ultimate kitchen knives. The bamboo offers a useful balance of durability, practicality and knife care.
Avoid regularly cutting on:
- Glass chopping boards
- Marble or granite surfaces
- Ceramic plates
- Metal worktops
- Other excessively hard surfaces
These materials can blunt or damage knife edges much faster than suitable wooden, bamboo or plastic chopping boards. For a full comparison of chopping board materials, sizes and styles, read our Chopping Board Buying Guide.
Protect Stainless Steel Knives from Rust & Corrosion
Although stainless steel kitchen knives are corrosion-resistant, they are not completely rustproof. Both our Precision 3CR13 stainless steel knives and Ultimate X50 CRMOV15 German stainless steel knives require proper cleaning and drying.
Do Acidic Foods Damage Kitchen Knives?
Acidic foods such as lemons, tomatoes and vinegar-based ingredients can contribute to staining or corrosion if residue is left on a knife for prolonged periods. After preparing acidic ingredients, wash and dry your knife promptly. Avoid leaving knives covered in food residue or submerged in water.
How to Prevent Rust on Kitchen Knives
- Wash and dry knives immediately after use.
- Remove acidic and salty food residues promptly.
- Avoid prolonged soaking.
- Store knives in a dry environment.
- Keep blades away from harsh cleaning chemicals.
- Never leave wet knives inside a knife block or drawer.
These simple habits help maintain the appearance and condition of stainless steel blades.
Use Kitchen Knives for Their Intended Purpose
Kitchen knives are designed for food preparation and should only be used for suitable kitchen tasks. Using knives incorrectly can damage the blade, loosen handle fittings or cause injuries.
Avoid using kitchen knives to:
- Open tins, packaging or bottles.
- Cut through bones or frozen food unless the knife is specifically designed for the task.
- Pry apart hard or frozen ingredients.
- Scrape food across chopping boards using the sharp cutting edge.
- Cut against glass, stone or metal surfaces.
When transferring chopped ingredients, use the spine of the blade or a suitable scraper rather than dragging the sharp edge across the chopping board.
Caring for Precision vs Ultimate Kitchen Knives
Both Cooks Professional knife ranges feature full tang construction, satin-finished blades and ergonomic handles, but their materials differ. The Ultimate Range generally offers better edge retention, but both ranges require proper cleaning, sharpening and storage to maintain their performance.
| Feature | Precision Knives | Ultimate Knives |
|---|---|---|
| Blade steel | 3Cr13 stainless steel | X50CrMoV15 German stainless steel |
| Handle | ABS | Micarta |
| Cleaning | Handwash and dry immediately | Handwash and dry immediately |
| Sharpening | Sharpen as required | Sharpen as required |
| Storage | Knife block or protected drawer storage | Knife block or protected drawer storage |
| Chopping board | Bamboo, suitable wood or plastic | Bamboo, suitable wood or plastic |
For more information on the differences between the two collections, read our Precision vs Ultimate Kitchen Knife Buying Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Knife Care
What Is the Best Way to Clean Kitchen Knives?
Wash kitchen knives by hand using warm water, mild washing-up liquid and a soft sponge. Rinse thoroughly and dry immediately before storing.
Can You Put Stainless Steel Knives in the Dishwasher?
Handwashing is recommended for quality stainless steel kitchen knives. Dishwasher detergents, high temperatures and contact with other utensils can damage blades and handles.
How Do You Keep Kitchen Knives Sharp for Longer?
Use a knife-friendly chopping board, store knives separately, avoid cutting on hard surfaces and sharpen only when necessary. Proper cleaning and drying also help protect the blade.
What Is the Best Knife Sharpener for Kitchen Knives?
A whetstone is an effective option for sharpening kitchen knives because it allows control over the sharpening angle and edge refinement. The Cooks Professional Dual-Grit Whetstone features 600-grit and 2000-grit surfaces for edge restoration and fine sharpening.
Is a Bamboo Chopping Board Good for Knives?
Yes. Bamboo chopping boards provide a durable cutting surface and are generally gentler on kitchen knives than glass, stone or ceramic surfaces. However, softer wooden boards may be more forgiving on delicate knife edges.
Can Stainless Steel Kitchen Knives Rust?
Yes. Stainless steel resists corrosion but can still develop rust or staining when exposed to prolonged moisture, salt, acidic ingredients or harsh cleaning chemicals.
Should Kitchen Knives Be Stored in a Drawer?
Kitchen knives can be stored in a drawer if their blades are properly protected. Always use a knife guard, sheath or suitable drawer organiser to prevent blade damage and injuries.
How Often Should You Sharpen Kitchen Knives?
Sharpen your knives when cutting performance noticeably declines. The frequency depends on the blade steel, usage and chopping board material.
Keep Your Kitchen Knives Performing at Their Best
Proper knife maintenance doesn't need to be complicated. Handwashing, immediate drying, careful sharpening and suitable storage can help extend the life of your kitchen knives.
Our Cooks Professional Precision and Ultimate Knife Ranges are designed for reliable food preparation, while our Dual-Grit Whetstone Knife Sharpener, Knife Blocks and Bamboo Chopping Boards provide practical ways to care for your blades. Explore the Cooks Professional Knife Care and Storage Range to keep your kitchen knives sharp, smart, protected and ready for your next recipe.