• Why Kitchen Knives Become Dull

  • OCT4, 2024

  • The Cutting Board: Your Knife's Hidden Enemy

  • We use kitchen knives daily, but have you ever wondered why they seem to lose their edge so quickly? The truth is, the biggest culprit behind dull knives might surprise you - it's closer to home than you think.

  • The main reason knives become dull is that the blade edge becomes rounded. Surprisingly, this damage isn't primarily caused by cutting food, but rather by the impact with the cutting board.

  • The Impact Factor: What the Numbers Tell Us

  • Research has revealed some fascinating facts:

    • You can peel a daikon radish 10,000 times with minimal blade damage
    • Just 400 chops against a cutting board can significantly dull your knife

    This explains why kitchen tools that don't use cutting boards (like peelers and slicers) tend to stay sharp longer.

  • Daily Habits That Dull Your Knives

  • Common practices that damage your knife's edge:

    1. Using the blade to scrape food off the cutting board
    2. Sliding the blade sideways across the cutting board
    3. Cutting frozen foods

  • Choosing the Right Cutting Board

  • Your choice of cutting board can significantly affect your knife's lifespan:

    • Recommended: Soft wood materials like ginkgo wood
    • Avoid: Hard wood, Glass or metal surfaces

  • The Importance of Proper Maintenance

  • To maintain your knife's sharpness:

    1. Use a whetstone and sharpen until you achieve a proper burr
    2. Honing steels and roll sharpeners are temporary solutions
    3. Regular, proper sharpening is essential

  • Tips for Preserving Sharpness

  • Recommended Cutting Technique:　Use a sliding motion when cutting

  • Technique to Avoid:　Chopping with a repetitive up-and-down motion

  • Conclusion

  • Maintaining a sharp knife requires proper usage and care. By minimizing impact with the cutting board and implementing appropriate maintenance, you can ensure a more enjoyable cooking experience. Small daily habits can make a big difference in extending the life of your kitchen knives.

Daily Care of Japanese Knives

Japanese knives are renowned for their exceptional sharpness and beautiful design, but proper care is essential for their longevity. Neglecting regular maintenance can not only diminish a knife's performance but also lead to unexpected issues during use. This guide provides a detailed explanation of the fundamental maintenance methods and key points to keep your Japanese knives in optimal condition. Use this as a reference to cherish and preserve your beloved knives for years to come.

Daily Care of Japanese Knives

The Origin of Craftsmanship

  • The Essence of Strength: The Mission That Drives a Craftsman

    Strength is not merely about physical power or technical precision. It is born from a deep-rooted sense of purpose. As traditional Japanese knife craftsmen, we infuse each blade with the mission to bring out the true essence of ingredients.

  • When we hammer steel, sharpen edges, and breathe life into each piece, we are constantly aware of the responsibility that comes with delivering it into the hands of a chef. A knife is not just a tool; it is a bridge connecting the craftsman, the user, and those who enjoy the meal. To fulfill this mission, we strive relentlessly, never compromising on our dedication to the craft.

  • The strength supported by this sense of mission is never isolated. It resonates with the chef who feels confidence in their hand and culminates in the joy of those gathered around the table. We hope you can feel this unique strength imbued in every Japanese knife we create.

  • Strength is about holding steadfast to the mission that lies deep within your heart. This is the essence of the tradition and pride we pass down through our craft.

KIREAJI's Three Promises to You

  • japanese_knife_made_in_Sakai

    1. Exceptional Japanese Knives

    Our knives, crafted by Sakai City's master artisans, combine traditional techniques with carefully selected materials, delivering unrivaled sharpness and durability.

  • Honbazuke

    2. Genuine Sharpness

    We offer free Honbazuke sharpening performed by skilled craftsmen, ensuring that you experience the authentic sharpness of a true Sakai knife.

  • 3. Lifetime Knife Use

    Each knife comes with a free Saya (protective sheath) for added durability. We also offer after-sales service through a trusted Sakai City workshop to maintain your knife's performance.