If you’ve invested in quality knives, the good news is: you don’t need an intense, chef-level maintenance routine to keep them performing at their best. You just need a few smart habits to protect your blades, maintain their sharpness, and extend their lifespan.
Building a low-maintenance knife routine is easier than you might think—and it’s one of the best ways to keep your Cooking Guild blades working like new. Here’s how to do it right without adding extra stress to your day.
Master the Art of Honing
One of the most important habits you can build is honing your knife regularly. Honing isn’t the same as sharpening—it doesn’t remove material from the blade. Instead, it realigns the knife’s edge, helping it stay razor-sharp longer.
A few quick passes with a honing rod after every few uses can dramatically extend the time between sharpenings. It’s fast, simple, and a game-changer for keeping your blades ready for action.
For easy, precise honing, reach for the Nomad Series 10" Honing Steel. Crafted with high-carbon steel and finished with a stunning burl wood and deep-sea epoxy handle, it’s as durable as it is beautiful.
Wash and Dry by Hand (Every Time)
Dishwashers and great knives don’t mix. The intense heat, harsh detergents, and jostling can damage both the blade and handle over time. Instead, wash your knives by hand with mild soap and warm water. Then dry them immediately with a soft cloth to prevent rust or water spots.
If you want a chef’s knife that’s built for daily use and easy maintenance, the Kaiju 8” Chef’s Knife is a perfect choice. Forged with San Mai steel for superior durability, it’s powerful, balanced, and made to last.
Use the Right Cutting Surface
The wrong cutting board can wreck even the finest knife edge. Hard surfaces like glass, marble, and granite are notorious blade killers. Instead, always cut on a wood or soft plastic board, which cushions the blade and helps preserve its sharpness.
Pair your knives with a quality wooden cutting board to complete your low-maintenance setup. (Hint: Stay tuned for our Cooking Guild Olive Wood Board launches.)
Store Your Knives Safely
Tossing knives loose in a drawer leads to dull edges, chips, and bent tips. The best way to protect your investment is with proper storage. Knife blocks, magnetic strips, or protective sheaths all do the job well—and keep your blades in top shape.
If you're looking for an easy protective option, check out the Kaiju 7” Bunka Sheath, crafted from premium leather and reinforced to keep your knife secure and protected.
Choose Knives Built for Real Life
Choosing the right knives also makes a difference. These Cooking Guild favorites are crafted with premium steels that resist rust, maintain a sharp edge longer, and require minimal upkeep.
Dynasty Series Santoku
The Dynasty Series Santoku is lightweight, versatile, and perfect for quick chopping and slicing. It’s crafted with AUS-10 core steel, cladded with softer stainless, offering both sharpness and rust resistance.
Specifications:
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Blade Material: San Mai AUS-10 core with 430 stainless steel
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Blade Length: 7 inches
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Blade Width: 2 inches
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Blade Thickness: 0.1 inch (0.2mm)
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Handle: Full-tang carbonized rosewood
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ONYX II Damascus 8” Chef Knife
For those who want a showstopper in both performance and looks, the ONYX II Damascus 8” Chef Knife is unbeatable. Featuring 67 layers of Japanese Damascus steel and a fortified G10 handle, it’s tough, sharp, and stunning.
Specifications:
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Blade Material: 67 layers Japanese Damascus steel with Hitachi SLD core
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Blade Length: 8 inches
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Blade Width: 1.8 inches
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Blade Thickness: 0.8 inch (2mm)
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Blade Hardness: 62–63 HRC
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Handle: Full-tang fortified black G10
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Nomad Series 8” Chef Knife
If you prefer rugged outdoor vibes, the Nomad Series 8” Chef Knife is a masterpiece. Forged from X70Cr17MoV stainless steel with a gorgeous mountain-range engraving, it’s a hard-working knife with serious style.
Specifications:
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Blade Material: X70Cr17MoV stainless steel
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Blade Length: 8 inches
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Blade Width: 2 inches
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Blade Thickness: 0.2 inch (0.25cm)
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Handle: Stabilized burl wood and deep-sea epoxy resin, full tang
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Taking care of your knives doesn’t have to be complicated. Hone regularly, wash by hand, use the right cutting surface, and store them safely. When you pair smart habits with top-tier knives like those from Cooking Guild, you’ll keep your blades razor-sharp and ready for anything—without the stress.
