About carbon steel knives
Before the introduction of stainless steel, carbon steel is traditionally known to be the customary material for making knives and is still the preferred choice for some manufacturers. According to traditionalists, carbon steel knives hold a sharp and long-lasting edge when properly cared for. The only trade-off is the requirement of daily maintenance to achieve effortless cutting performance. One of our top favourite carbon steel knife brands is Dexter-Russell.
Dexter-Russell is known as one of the largest manufacturers of professional carbon steel knives in the United States. Dexter Russell is a preferred choice of commercial kitchens as well as butchers and fisheries where you'll spot them by their signature white handles. Their stringent manufacturing process and quality checks ensure that the knives you purchase from them are of high quality with an unparalleled edge, suitable for any heavy-duty task in the kitchen. Imagine effortless butchering, trimming meat, boning, chopping, slicing, and dicing with these knives.
The trademarked steel that Dexter Russell uses for their kitchen knives is based on a 420 high-carbon grade; also referred to as “surgical steel”. Knives need to be forged well to endure a myriad of cutting tasks without breaking. Dexter Russell utilises heat-treating technology to forge their steel blades, allowing them to hold a sharper edge for much longer compared to poorly treated or non-heat-treated blades. While this gives it a long-lasting sharp edge, neglecting to give it proper care will cause its edge to dull. Hence, carbon steel knives need proper care to maintain its smooth cutting-edge performance.
Caring for your carbon steel knives
It is common to find rust on carbon steel knives as it occurs naturally. Even with great effort in taking care of your carbon steel knife, it will eventually turn into a dull shade of grey (called Patina) over time, causing it to lose its shiny appearance. Do not worry as it is a normal occurrence due to the natural properties of carbon steel.
The Patina is also a type of oxidation that helps prevent rust from forming. You can easily polish the blade back to its shiny state with a grinder or polisher, but note that polishing does not enhance the knife's performance, it is merely for aesthetics.
Caring for your carbon steel knives is easy and it does not require an over-the-top procedure. Simply follow these steps below to maintain your knife's sharp edge:
- Hone your knife – This helps to keep the knife centred when the knife is honed before each use.
- Wipe your knife – After cutting acidic foods, use a clean dishcloth to wipe down your knife
- Wash your knife - Use warm, soapy water and a soft cloth when washing your knife.
- Hand-dry your knife – Immediately towel dry it after washing with a clean dish towel. Avoid air-drying as the droplets of water on the blade may cause rust to form.
- Rub mineral oil - If you notice any rust spots, rub a thin layer of oil and leave it to dry after application.
- Store your knife - A plastic sheath, magnetic knife strip or drawer insert are all appropriate storage practices.
Next Read: The Most Popular Kitchen Knives in 2020
