Maintaining your blades
Cutting surface and cutting technique
The cutting surface plays an essential role in maintaining the sharpness of your knives. Wooden boards are ideal, while tile, ceramic, marble, granite or glass surfaces are too hard and risk damaging the blade.
Shenkuro knives are designed for smooth, push-pull cutting, not brutal vertical chopping. The recommended technique is a "handsaw" motion, where the knife is pushed forward and down, then pulled back for the next cut. Thanks to their razor-sharp cutting edge, these movements are virtually effortless.
When you first use them, take your time to get used to their exceptional precision. With experience, you'll be able to cut faster, but always with care, keeping an eye on the position of your fingers.
Cleaning and storage
A quality knife is a long-term investment. To keep it in perfect condition:
✔ Wash your blade with a mild soap (avoid those with a citrus or bleach base, which promote corrosion).
✔ Rinse and dry immediately with an absorbent cloth before storing.
✔ Never leave a knife to soak in a sink full of soapy water - it damages the metal and represents a hazard.
Micro-corrosion can occur when moisture remains on the edge of the blade, causing microscopic splinters. To avoid this, always wash and dry your knives immediately after use.
The handle should be cleaned under a gentle stream of water, then immediately dried with a cloth. Never leave the handle soaked or submerged in water.
Blade sharpening and maintenance
✔ Regular sharpening prolongs blade sharpness.
✔ Annual sharpening is recommended for knives used intensively.
Washing and care instructions
Although stainless steel is resistant to stains and rust, it is not totally waterproof. We recommend hand-washing and wiping the blade thoroughly after each use. Never leave food residues or moisture on the blade overnight, as this can lead to corrosion.
The handle should be cleaned gently under running water with a cloth, then dried immediately. Never leave it to soak.
Sharpening and maintenance
Knives need to be resharpened periodically. When using a whetstone, it is essential to maintain the correct blade angle (generally 8 to 15 degrees, depending on the model). If you feel a slight snag while cutting, a simple sharpening with leather or a pass through the sharpening gun is usually sufficient, rather than a complete resharpening.
🛠 With these precautions, your Shenkuro knives will remain your best allies in the kitchen for many years to come.