The Ultimate Guide to Knife Safety: Handling and Storage Tips

Keeping your knives sharp and safe isn’t just about performance—it’s essential for your kitchen’s safety. A sharp knife is safer than a dull one, but knowing how to handle and store it properly is very important. In this guide, we’ll cover the basics of knife safety, storage solutions, and how to keep your knife in pristine condition.

1. Always Handle Knives with Care
   
   Handling a knife properly can prevent accidents. Here are a few key tips:
• Grip your knife correctly: Always hold the knife securely by the handle, with your fingers away from the blade. This ensures control over your movements.
• Use the right cutting motion: Slice with smooth, consistent strokes instead of chopping or hacking motions, which can cause the knife to slip.
• Always cut away from your body: This reduces the chance of injury in case the knife slips.

• Create a stable surface: When cutting round or uneven foods, cut one flat side first and place it on the cutting board. This prevents rolling and makes cutting safer and more controlled.

2. Keep Your Knife Sharp
   
   A dull knife can be more dangerous than a sharp one. Regularly sharpen your knife to ensure it cuts cleanly and effortlessly. Whether you’re honing or sharpening, proper maintenance goes a long way. 
   
   
3. Use the Right Cutting Surface
   
   Using the correct cutting board protects both your knife and your kitchen. Avoid hard surfaces like glass or granite, which can dull your knife. Opt for softer materials such as wood or plastic, which help maintain the sharpness of your blade. Wooden boards are overall the best and gentler on your knife’s edge.
   
   
4. Proper Knife Storage
   
   Knife storage is crucial to maintaining your knife’s sharpness and ensuring safety in your kitchen. When knives are stored loosely in a drawer, they can get damaged or worse, cause an injury when reaching for them. Here are some safe storage solutions:
• Knife Blocks: A knife block keeps blades securely in place and out of harm’s way.
• Magnetic Strips: These are great for easy access and keeping knives safely away from other utensils.
• Knife Sheaths: If you don’t use a block or strip, always protect your blades with a sheath. The SEKKIN Chef’s Knife comes with a complimentary Magnolia wood sheath to keep your blade protected and sharp.
  
  
5. Always Clean Knives by Hand
   
   While it may be very tempting to wash your knives in the dishwasher, hand washing is always safer for your knives. Dishwashers can cause corrosion and dullness. Instead, wash knives with warm, soapy water and dry immediately to avoid rust.

Knife safety is essential for every cook, whether you’re a home enthusiast or a professional chef. From proper handling and maintenance to secure storage solutions, these tips will help ensure that your kitchen remains a safe space. Don’t forget to keep your SEKKIN Chef’s Knife in top shape by using its complimentary sheath and following these guidelines.