Proper care and handling of your knives

The best way to keep a knife sharp is to take care of it. Plain and simple. Most of the damage done to the edge of a knife is not caused by cutting materials it was intended to cut.

It is caused by cutting against improper surfaces, chopping, banging against other objects in drawers, the dishwasher, sinks, you name it.

It's important to remember that the thickness of that blade at the edge is zero. Even very good steel is vulnerable at that thickness.

I found a good article that is straightforward and simple. It lists these six steps for caring for your knives.

1. Don’t leave your knives in the kitchen sink.
2. Don’t store your knives in the utensil drawer.
3. Always wash your knives by hand.
4. Don’t leave your knives to dry in the dish rack.
5. Sharpen the blade.
6. Always cut on cutting boards.