How to Keep Your Kitchen Knives Sharp

Any chef will tell you that the best way to keep your kitchen knives sharp is through proper use and storage.

First off, stop putting your knives into the dishwasher, and avoid storing them in your drawer of kitchen utensils.
Next, stop cutting things directly on your stone countertop — use a proper cutting board 100% of the time. Wood cutting boards are our favorite, but plastic boards are safe too. A marble cutting board will create dull knives.

If you're already diligently doing everything right but want to take the best possible care of your favorite kitchen tools (whether it be an investment knife, or a cheap knife you love), proper storage is the magic trick to keeping your knife sharp.

We've tried it all, and these are our favorite storage methods that help ensure that your knives stay working their best.

Wall-mounted magnetic knife strip — Credit: Schmidt Brothers
1. Magnetic Knife Strips
A well-placed magnetic strip can hold knives securely by the knife blade. If you have space on a kitchen wall near your prep area, mount one and see how it makes a difference. We think you'll find that it's convenient to have them within reach while cooking, and over time, you'll find that your expensive knives stay nice and sharp.
**Why They're Great:** Wall-mounted magnetic racks save valuable counter space and keep your tools within easy reach. Since the blades don’t touch each other, there’s less chance of dulling or blade damage. Plus, a well-arranged magnetic strip can make your kitchen look modern and organized.
Tips For Using a Magnetic Strip
Make sure to choose a strong magnetic strip that can hold even your heaviest knives.
Install it securely to avoid any accidents.
Position the strip away from areas where it might get knocked or bumped.
There's no hard and fast law on this, but we like it best for knives 8" and shorter.

Artisan knives in a knife block — Credit: Schmidt Brothers
2. Knife Blocks
Knife blocks are traditional storage solutions, often made of a solid wood block, with slots to insert knife blades. Consumers used to associate knife blocks with the traditional wooden block (wood with various-sized slots), but magnetic knife blocks are gaining popularity, and are often associated with stylish countertop storage.
**Why They're Great:** Knife blocks protect your blades from damage and organize them neatly. They come in various styles and materials, so you can choose one that complements your kitchen decor. Magnetic blocks in particular are good if you have irregularly sized knives, or multiple knives of the same size that wouldn't all fit in a traditional wooden knife block. Knife blocks also keep knife blades concealed and safely away from children.
Tips For Using a Knife Block
Look for a knife block that fits all your knives, including any specialty products you might have. It isn't always as easy as it seems!
Avoid overstuffing the block, as forcing knives into tight slots can cause damage.
Only put dry knives in a block.
Remember to keep it clean. Crumbs that fall into the slots of a wood block can cause bacteria buildup.

3. Knife Guards

If you must keep them in a drawer, invest in guards to protect the edge from damage. This eliminates any opportunity for the blades to rub together or against other objects in the drawer.

Why They're Great: Guards protect each blade and prevent damaged knives. They promote proper care and keep knives from rubbing against each other or other objects, which can cause dulling or damage. Knife guards are also portable, making them great for safely transporting your knives if needed. They come in various sizes and materials, including plastic, leather, and silicone, ensuring a snug fit for different types of knives.

Tips for Choosing Knife Guards

Invest in high-quality guards that fit well. We like products that snap on and won't accidentally slide off while they're in the drawer.
Ensure each guard is clean and dry. Moisture can lead to rust.
Label the guards if necessary to quickly identify each knife.
When placing knives with guards in a drawer, organize them in a way that prevents any jostling to further protect the blades and your hands.

Person tests sharpness of a kitchen knife.

The Best Handheld Knife Sharpener Does Not Exist

Just say no, and learn how to properly hand-file your knives.

Are you team Electric Sharpeners or Honing Rod?

Neither. We're team "manual sharpening." Both electric sharpeners and ceramic edge knife sharpeners are fast and user-friendly, but some sharpening tools can remove too much metal from the knife edge and reduce the lifespan of the metal blade. Honing steel rods maintain sharpness but don't actually sharpen a dull blade. Blade maintenance is a personal thing, but manual sharpening with files offers precise control and preserves knife integrity better.

Using a magnifier to identify imperfections in the knife blade edge before sharpening. — Credit: Emily Fazio Use a magnifier to identify imperfections in the blade edge before sharpening.

Marking the edge of the blade before manually sharpening a knife. — Credit: Emily Fazio Mark the edge of the blade before manually sharpening a knife.

Using a file to manually sharpen a chef's knife. — Credit: Emily Fazio Using a file to manually sharpen a Chef's knife.

Do drawer inserts protect the cutting edge of a knife?

Personally, not a fan. Even though a good insert will keep the knives from rubbing against one another, the sensation of them scratching along the bottom of the insert between the plastic tines raises the hair on my arms. I don't like anything scratching along the delicate edge angles of the sharp edge.

Should knives be dried by hand?

No matter your personal preference for storage, always ensure that sharp knives are dry and clean before storing them. Moisture can lead to rust and other damage. Drying knives by hand is best because it eliminates the option of a drying rack (which is yet another way they can get a damaged blade edge over time, or dull edges).