It might be surprising but for precise cutting performance, the correct storage of your Japanese knives is of equal importance to their cleaning and maintenance.
Therefore, investing in a high-quality Japanese knife requires a correspondingly high degree of investment in storage solutions that keep the blade safe and secure as careless storage can blunt and damage its fine edge.
Even though it might seem that there are some general storage recommendations, the type of storage you choose needs to be specially made for or modified to meet the storage requirements of your Japanese knives in particular. These take into account limiting contact with the blade's edge and making sure the storage area is dry to avoid rusting.
Japanese Knife Stand
Make your kitchen fancier and keep your Japanese knives sharper for longer with a custom-built magnetised knife display stand. The days of searching through the entire cabinet for the right knife are long gone, as having a knife rack makes your Japanese blades easily accessible and grabbed in a single motion.
Stands are also the best option in terms of upkeep because they are simple to clean and barely come into contact with the knife's cutting edge.
Furthermore, they are the most valuable storage option if you want to make the most of your small kitchen while also making the most of any empty wall space. Magnetic knife racks can be installed in a variety of places, including behind the stovetop, on a backsplash, below cabinets, and even on the side of a refrigerator.
When placing your Japanese knife stand for the first time, be sure to leave enough space above and below it so that your knives can be attached safely without risking clipping. They might also be perfect for you if you have young children and want to keep your sharp objects out of their grasp.
Additionally, it's crucial to avoid overloading a knife rack because doing so increases the likelihood that you'll accidentally cross the heels of one knife over another, which could result in chipping or scratching.
The spine of the blade should make initial contact with the rack before the blade is softly rolled in a sideways motion. This keeps the knife edge sharp and greatly reduces the risk of chipping it against the rack.
In terms of quality, invest in a knife display stand made of high-quality wood and powerful magnets. Wooden surfaces are much more aesthetically pleasing, keep more with the traditional Japanese design and are much better suited for maintaining the knife edge.
Cheap magnetic racks are also widely available, but they are frequently manufactured from low-cost materials that resemble wood grain patterns and weaker magnets. Avoid buying such racks.
Stainless steel racks, on the other hand, are a popular option for Japanese knives made of Damascus steel, however, you should prevent metal-on-metal contact because it can leave scratches on the side profile or knife edge.
Saya, Guards and Knife Rolls
Some people can't mount a rack to a wall, for example, in rented housing or put a block on their worktop; perhaps there isn't quite enough room. This implies that the only choice is to keep your Japanese knives in a drawer or cabinet when not in use.
What makes the ideal knife roll and a combination of saya/guards the best storage alternatives is that you might also work in a kitchen and travel with your knives.
A saya or guard is a great option if you're keeping your knives separately in a drawer, for example. Typically, a wooden saya is preferable because the wood absorbs moisture from a blade, but you can also opt for both leather and plastic guards as more affordable options.
A knife roll, on the other hand, is a fantastic idea if you commute to and from work. Most of them hold six or more of your daily knives, and they frequently have room in each slot for a guard or saya to keep the blades from poking out.
Japanese Knife Blocks
Blocks are one of the most popular storage options for Japanese knives when not in use. They are highly adaptable in that you can use them as countertop knife holders and move them around readily on any work surface. They can be kept close to your workstation for fast and simple use because they are simple, practical, and easy to use. In other words, they are a great choice if counter space is not a concern and requires no assembly.
A Japanese knife block is made to suspend the blade by its handle, shielding the sharp tip. For those who don't want to drill into the walls of their home or business kitchen, they make the perfect knife rack substitute. Additionally, you should consider universal blocks that support various knife sizes or even add-ons like a honing shaft as equally valuable options.
However, it's essential to keep in mind that when used improperly, they are infamously harsh on cutting edges and can easily ruin your knife's edge.
It takes skill to insert a Japanese knife into a block; to safeguard the cutting edge, the blunt side of the blade must be pressed against the block. The sharp tip of the blade should not be dragged against the block when removing the blade, either.
