If you have a Nakiri knife, you probably know that it is more useful and much more efficient when it is sharp. Every time you use your knife, the edge gets out of shape and because dull knives are slow and imprecise, they can easily cause injuries. You should therefore know some of the most efficient ways of keeping your knife sharp. Here are some useful steps to keep your knife sharp.
Get a honing steel
You should hold your honing steel vertically. Make sure the tip rests on a solid surface. The handle should be gripped firmly in one hand and keep your honing rod vertical.
Slide the length of our knife along the steel
Now get a spot on the honing rod where the metal is textured. This is where you want to run your kitchen knife against. Now, press the bottom of the blade against the honing steel and work at a fifteen to twenty-degree angle and pull the knife towards you as you follow through to the tip.
Do the same to the other side
Keeping the kitchen knife in the same hand, do the same motion on the other side of the steel. Repeat the process eight times on each side. With practice, the motion will start to feel natural.
Do this weekly
You now know how to hone your knife by correcting the small imperfections on the knife and keeping the blade refined. This improves the ability of the knife to dice, chop and slice. Now you should stay vigilant and keep your Japanese kitchen knives sharp. While you can manage to get away with sharpening your knives once a year, you need to hone your kitchen knife at least weekly and before a major cooking project to keep it sharp.
Proper storage
You should also ensure you store your knife properly to keep it sharp. Finding the right storage can be daunting but some of the most popular options include a magnetic strip, knife block, or something else. The right storage for your knife can help your knife stay sharp and keep your kitchen tidy.
When it comes to storing your knife, there are three basic ways to do it – in a drawer, on the wall or on the counter. There are storage products that will help you make each scenario work. If you take care of your knives, they will do what they are supposed to do without hurting you.
Choosing the right storage
If you have enough space, you should consider a magnetic strip. Mount it on a wall above the counter to store your knives. A magnetic strip enables you to see your knives so you will not have to search for the knife you want. When it comes to choosing a magnetic strip, you should ensure the magnet is strong enough to hold your Nakiri knife securely. However, it should not be too strong to snap the knife to the bar. A magnet that is too strong can cause you to chip your knife.
