Maintenance Guide

Proper care keeps your Xinzuo knives performing at their best for years. Follow these simple steps to maintain sharpness, appearance, and safety.

1. Cleaning
- Always hand wash your knives immediately after use.
- Use mild dish soap and warm water with a soft sponge.
- Dry thoroughly with a soft towel before storing.
- Do not put knives in the dishwasher — heat, moisture, and detergents can damage the blade and handle.

2. Drying
Moisture is one of the main causes of rust or corrosion. Always ensure your knife is completely dry before storage, especially around the handle and bolster area.

3. Storage
- Store knives safely in a knife block or magnetic strip, or a protective sheath.
- Avoid keeping knives loose in drawers to prevent dulling or accidental injury.
- Ensure storage areas are dry and well-ventilated.
- Read our guide on magnetic holders vs knife blocks to find the best option for your kitchen.

4. Sharpening
- Regular honing keeps your knife edge aligned. Use a honing rod every few uses.
- For sharpening, use a whetstone or have your knives serviced by a professional. Our whetstone sharpening guide walks you through the full process.
- Check our sharpening angle guide to find the correct angle for your knife.
- Avoid pull-through sharpeners unless specifically designed for high-quality steel knives.

5. Cutting Surfaces
- Use wooden or soft plastic cutting boards to preserve blade edges. Our guide on end grain vs edge grain boards explains which type is gentlest on your knives.
- Avoid cutting on hard surfaces such as glass, metal, or stone.

6. Proper Use
- Use each knife for its intended purpose — avoid twisting, prying, or cutting frozen foods or bones with fine-edged knives. Not sure which knife to use? Check our Japanese knife types guide.
- Keep blades away from extreme temperatures and chemicals.

7. Long-Term Care
- Lightly oil carbon steel blades with food-safe mineral oil to prevent oxidation. See our Damascus steel care guide for detailed instructions.
- Regular maintenance keeps both stainless and carbon steel blades performing like new.

Need Help?
If you have questions about knife care or sharpening, contact us at:
Email: support@xinzuo.com.au
Phone: +61 493 005 283
Or browse our frequently asked questions.