Knife Maintenance
Cutting Surface & Cutting Technique
The cutting surface plays a crucial role in maintaining the sharpness of your knives. Wooden cutting boards are ideal, while surfaces such as tile, ceramic, marble, granite, or glass are too hard and can damage the blade.
Shenkuro knives are designed for smooth, controlled cutting using a push-and-pull motion, rather than aggressive vertical chopping. The recommended technique is a “manual sawing” motion: gently push the knife forward and downward, then pull it back for the next cut. Thanks to their razor-sharp edge, these movements require very little effort.
When using your knife for the first time, take your time to become familiar with its exceptional precision. With experience, you will naturally cut faster, always with care, keeping a close eye on finger placement.
Cleaning & Storage
A quality knife is a long-term investment. To keep it in perfect condition:
✔ Wash the blade with a mild soap (avoid citrus-based cleaners or bleach, as they promote corrosion).
✔ Rinse and dry immediately with an absorbent cloth before storing.
✔ Never leave a knife soaking in a sink filled with soapy water, this can damage the metal and poses a safety risk.
Micro-corrosion can occur when moisture remains on the cutting edge, leading to microscopic chipping. To prevent this, always wash and dry your knives immediately after use.
The handle should be cleaned under a gentle stream of water, then dried immediately with a cloth. Never leave it soaking or submerged in water.
Sharpening & Blade Maintenance
✔ Regular sharpening helps maintain the blade’s sharpness over time.
✔ Annual sharpening is recommended for knives that are used intensively.
Washing & Care Instructions
Although stainless steel is resistant to stains and rust, it is not completely waterproof. We recommend hand washing and thoroughly drying the blade after each use. Never allow food residue or moisture to remain on the blade overnight, as this may lead to corrosion.
The handle should be gently cleaned under running water with a cloth, then dried immediately. Never leave it soaking.
Sharpening & Ongoing Care
A knife should be resharpened periodically. When using a whetstone, it is essential to maintain the correct blade angle (typically 8 to 15 degrees, depending on the model). If you notice slight resistance or catching during cutting, a simple leather strop or a few passes on a honing rod are usually sufficient, rather than a full resharpening.
🛠 With these precautions, your Shenkuro knives will remain your most trusted kitchen companions for many years to come.



