Why Do Your Knives Become Dull So Fast?

Anyone who enjoys cooking and is proud of the food they serve is also a person who cares for the tools and utensils used in the kitchen. Having the right equipment, in the right condition not only makes food preparation easier, but the clean and neat cutting enhances the visual appeal of the food as well. One of the major hassles that people face with their kitchen tools is that of the knives becoming dull very soon and often. If this is a problem you face, even after investing in good quality knives, you may be making these mistakes.

A Few Simple Precautions Can Keep Your Knives Sharp Longer

• Using a knife on a hard rigid surface damages the edge. The knife hitting stone, glass, or any other hard surface will wear down the blade. Cut only on wooden, plastic, or composite fiber cutting boards.

• You see professional chefs on TV scraping their knives across a cutting board to gather up a pile of what they have just cut. Scraping the edge across the surface could skew the blade alignment which will result in a duller slice with untidy cuts. TV chefs can replace their knives after each show if they want. For a home cook, using a bench scraper will save knives from damage and it will also make scooping up the cut material easier.
• Your knives may be sharp enough to cut through bone, but doing that will dull (or even damage) the blades. Use a meat cleaver to cut bones – your knives will be protected and cutting bones will be easier.

Also Read: How Often Should You Sharpen Your Kitchen Knives?

• There’s nothing like having everything in the kitchen sparkling clean. But not everything should go in the dishwasher, and that includes knives. The force of the water causes the blades to keep hitting the edge of the rack which damages their edges. Also, dishwasher detergent is often abrasive, which may cause the blades to rust or corrode.
• Storing knives in a drawer will cause them to hit each other each time the drawer is opened and closed; this will dull or even damage the blades. Use a knife block, magnetic knife strip, or individual sheaths to protect the knives.
• Knives are meant for cutting, slicing, and chopping. Using them for other purposes like loosening a screw when no screwdriver is handy is going to ruin them. Use your knives only for what they are meant to do.

Even with the best of care, knives will lose their sharpness with use. DIY knife sharpening or using easy mail-in knife sharpening solutions may seem like a quick and easy solution. But that is not true. Knife sharpening takes knowledge, training, and experience to get the best results in terms of a truly sharp knife with an edge that will last. Mail-in knife sharpening is a gamble even if it claims to provide a custom knife sharpening service. You do not know how good the results will be, how long the blade will remain sharp, whether it will come back damaged, and how long the process will take. Those living in the Bay Area have the best knife-sharpening solution at their fingertips. The concierge knife sharpening service of Rejuvenated Knives offers expert sharpening, done by trained professionals, and a quick return (usually within 24 hours). The savings in time and effort, and the expertly sharpened knives with edges that last, make this the best and most economical solution available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my knives become dull quickly even if they're high quality?
Knives can become dull quickly due to improper use, such as cutting on hard surfaces, using them for tasks other than cutting, or not storing them properly.

How can I make my knives stay sharp longer?
Avoid cutting on hard surfaces like stone or glass, never use knives in the dishwasher, and store them in a knife block or magnetic strip to prevent damage.

Is it safe to sharpen knives at home?
DIY knife sharpening can be risky if not done correctly. Professional services ensure precise sharpening, maintaining the edge and extending the life of your knives.

What is the best way to store knives?
Store knives in a knife block, magnetic strip, or with individual sheaths to protect the blade from damage and keep them sharp.

Why is using my knife for non-cutting tasks bad for it?
Using knives for tasks like prying or loosening screws can misalign the blade, dulling or damaging it over time. Always use knives for their intended purpose.

What are the benefits of using a custom knife sharpening service?
Professional sharpening services, like Rejuvenated Knives, provide accurate, lasting results, saving time and effort while keeping your knives in optimal condition.