As culinary professionals and serious home cooks, we invest in high-performance tools with the expectation that they will last. A comprehensive 19 piece knife block set is a significant investment, and its long-term performance hinges entirely on proper care. At Klaus Meyer, we believe that maintenance is not just about preservation; it's about honoring the craftsmanship in your tools. This guide shares our professional insights to help you protect your investment and ensure every cut remains precise for years to come.
The Cornerstone of Care: Proper Cleaning and Drying
We always emphasize that immediate and correct cleaning is the most critical step. Never put our high-carbon steel knives in a dishwasher. The harsh, high-pressure environment can damage the blade's molecular structure, compromise the edge, and cause the handles to degrade over time. Instead, wash by hand using warm water, a mild detergent, and a soft cloth. Pay special attention to drying the blades thoroughly with a towel immediately after washing. This simple habit is your primary defense against moisture, which is the main enemy of any fine steel, even with our enhanced rust resistance. Leaving knives to air dry in a drainer or, worse, submerged in water, invites corrosion and handle stress.
Honing and Sharpening: Understanding the Edge
Our knives are forged from a proprietary high-carbon steel and undergo a precise oil quenching heat treatment. This process gives the blade exceptional hardness, allowing it to hold a sharp edge for a long time. However, regular use will cause the microscopic teeth on the edge to bend out of alignment. This is where honing comes in. We recommend using a honing steel before or after each use. This practice does not remove metal but realigns the edge, maintaining its sharpness. For actual sharpening, which grinds away a small amount of steel to create a new edge, we suggest a professional service or using a quality whetstone. A full 19 piece kitchen knife set with block deserves this level of attention to keep every blade in peak condition.
The Importance of Correct Storage and Handling
Proper storage is non-negotiable for protecting your blades. Our knife blocks are designed with slots that securely hold each knife without the blades touching, which prevents dulling and nicking. Avoid the temptation to toss knives loosely into a drawer, as this can damage both the edges and the handle material. Furthermore, always use the right knife for the task. Our sets are designed with specific purposes in mind; using a paring knife to disjoint a chicken or a chef's knife to slice through frozen food is abusive and can chip the blade. The full tang design and heavy bolster provide superior balance and control, making proper technique easier and safer to execute.
Conclusion
A well-maintained knife set is a joy to use and a testament to a cook's respect for their craft. By integrating these simple yet effective care routines, you are not just cleaning tools; you are preserving the precision and performance engineered into them. We at Klaus Meyer stand behind the quality of our materials and construction with a comprehensive 10-year warranty, but your diligent care is the partnership that truly ensures a lifetime of exceptional performance from your investment.