Milly's 101: Knife Care

A good knife should feel like a pleasure to use - not a battle. With a little care, a good quality knife will last for years (often decades), and make everything from prep to plating just that much easier. Here’s how to keep yours working beautifully.

If you only do four things:
• Wash and dry by hand  
• Use a wooden board  
• Keep your knife sharp  
• Store it safely  

Wash, Dry, Done
Skip the dishwasher - it’s far harsher than your knives need. A quick wash under hot water with a little dishwashing liquid, then dry thoroughly before putting away. That’s it.

Good knives often contain more carbon in the steel, which helps them stay sharper for longer but it also means they don’t love being left wet. Dry them properly and they’ll reward you for it. (And yes - that goes for handles too. Wood, resin, and lacquered finishes are not dishwasher fans.)

Keep Them Sharp (It’s Easier Than You Think)

A sharp knife is safer, faster, and far more enjoyable to use. Running a steel over your knife regularly helps maintain the edge. Just a few light passes before cooking is often enough.

Not confident with a steel? You’re not alone - and thankfully, there are easier options.

• Pull-through sharpeners → quick, simple, no thinking required 
• Horl systems → precise, consistent, and very satisfying to use 
• Whetstones → for those who enjoy the process 

Click here for all our sharpeners

Use a Wooden Board
Your knife is only as good as the surface you cut on.

Glass, marble and ceramic might look beautiful, but they’re tough on your blade. A wooden or quality knife-friendly board is far kinder and will help keep your knife sharper for longer. Click here for all our chopping board recommendations.

Store Them Properly
Good knives don’t belong in the “everything” drawer.
Not only is it a bit risky for fingers, it’s also rough on your blade. A knife block, drawer insert, or magnetic strip will keep your knives protected and ready to use.
(And yes, we’ve all had that rummage-and-hope-for-the-best moment …)

Click here for all our storage options

When to Call in the Experts
Even with good care, every knife will eventually need a proper sharpen.
If your knife isn’t responding to a steel or sharpener the way it used to, it’s time for a professional touch.
We offer a sharpening service through our Ponsonby store on Thursday mornings and it’s one of those small things that makes a big difference.

Drop your knives in by Wednesday afternoon, and they’ll be ready to collect Thursday.