Like most goods and products, a Butcher Knife will only perform to its fullest potential if you care for it sufficiently and professionally. Whether you are a professional butcher, a farmer or simply a keen amateur; excellent knife care can be the different between quality, safe results and disastrous, dangerous results. It is important that all Butcher Knives are cared for in a manner that will prolong their lifespan and usefulness as well as maintain the safety of usage. Here are a few tips to help you use your Butcher Knife in the safest and most useful way possible.

Always Keep the Knife Sharp

Butchers Knives that are used regularly may suffer from blunting. It is only natural for a knife to blunt upon repeated use. Every time that the knife is struck through meat and bone, the blade will suffer a little bit. After repeated use, this blunting may become noticeable and potentially dangerous. A blunt knife will lead to stronger and wilder strikes being made in order to cut through flesh. These erratic strikes can be potentially dangerous to the user: if they are concentrating on the struggle of cutting, then they may not be concentrating on their own safety and welfare.

Use a Steel Sharpener to keep the knife in perfectly sharp condition. A Steel Sharpener realigns the tip of the blade so it is perfectly central and incredibly sharp. Hold the Steel Sharpener away from the body and place the blade against the body of the Steel Sharpener at its base. Then is one swift movement, slide the knife along the Steel Sharpener away from the body. Do this about 10 times for each side of the blade. The sharpened knife will be far easier and safer to use.

Furthermore, wood Butcher Blocks do not blunt knives as much as their marble or plastic counterparts. Butcher Blocks are vitally important in protecting surfaces from the cuts of the knife so are a necessity in the arsenal of any professional or keen amateur.

Store Safely

When you are not using your knife, it is important to continue keeping it safe and protected. Butcher Knives are often very thin and precise tools so any outside interference can be incredibly counter-productive. Store the knife in a cool, dry draw or knife rack to protect it from the element. Exposure to damp conditions can lead to the onset of rusting which will serve to weaken the blade significantly.

Storage also serves to keep the knives out of the hands of those who should not be touching them such as small children.