Life is much better when you’re not alone and enjoy it with friends. The same is true with your Japanese kitchen knives. Your knives were not meant to be a sole item for your kitchen needs. Your Japanese kitchen knives are better with their suitable accessories. As the owner, you’ll surely gain confidence in your knife skills once you know that your knives have appropriate knife accessories to turn to. You feel comfortable completing your meal preparations with knife accessories within your reach.
It's evident that knives are the most essential tool in our kitchens because of their versatility. Therefore, don't take it for granted. I suggest you equip your Japanese knives with kitchen accessories and see a big difference in your meal preparations and, of course, in your knives’ maintenance.
8 Knife Accessories Your Kitchen Needs
You don’t have to be a professional chef to identify which knife accessories you need to have urgently. Pro or not, expect your meal preps to improve with the help of these items. As warriors keep their swords in good condition, you should also take charge of your knife. If you’re just new to owning a Japanese kitchen knife, don’t worry, I will enumerate the essential accessories you will need to maximize your tool.
Tsubaki: Knife Maintenance Oil
Samurais used Tsubaki (Camellia) oil for centuries to protect their swords from rusting or tarnishing. As years passed, Tsubaki oil is still the holy grail of Japanese artisans and chefs in blade maintenance. Before storing your beloved Japanese knives, you can use this well-raved oil to keep the carbon steel from unwanted damage. Apparently, it’s also the cheapest way to avoid discoloring.
For a sharper and shinier blade, lightly coat your knife with Tsubaki oil and wipe off excess oil with a paper towel. Don’t worry. Tsubaki oil is proven to be food safe.
Knife sheath
This knife accessory protects the knife itself and the person carrying it. A knife sheath will protect you from potentially serious injuries that could happen when a knife is not in use. Most knife sheaths are made from leather because it’s known to avoid blade scratches and other possible damages.
Knife sheaths are also refined instruments that allow you to carry knives in your pocket if you have outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, or even just having barbeque nights in your yard.
Knife Roll/Bag
If you’re off somewhere and you need to bring your knives along, you should opt for a knife roll or bags. Take note that blades that rub against each other are prone to dullness.
A knife roll/bag, also known as a knife wallet, protects the blades and keeps you safe while carrying them. It’s a specialized bag with multiple compartments that can house knives of different types and sizes.
Aside from safety purposes, it provides easier access while ensuring that dirt, dust, and moisture keep away from your blades. A compact knife roll/bag is perfect for those who love to travel and cook for their loved ones outdoors.
Magnetic knife holder
You’re probably aware that kitchen space should be maximized, especially for those who have small kitchen areas. A magnetic knife holder is here to help you properly store knives while considering the available kitchen space.
You can say goodbye to your messy blades drawer and use magnetic knife holders instead. It’s not only space-efficient but also convenient when you need to speed up your meal prep. You can quickly get what you need without opening kitchen drawers with your knives hanging on display.
Whetstone
Your Japanese knives tend to become dull when frequently utilized. I am confident that you’ll agree with me that keeping your knives in shape is what you aim to have every time you want to cook. Of course, who would prefer dull knives when preparing meals?
Keep a whetstone in your kitchen and maintain your knife’s sharpness. Using whetstone is one of the best and most popular ways to sharpen a knife. Aside from sharpening the blade, whetstones are also the best stubborn rust erasers. It’s something you should consider buying if you’re a beginner at cooking.
Kitchen Knife Case
Carry your Japanese knives securely with a sturdy kitchen knife case. It’s safe to carry your knives without losing poise as you travel. If you’re a budding culinary student, you’ve probably needed to bring your tools along with you. For a hassle-free experience, kitchen knife cases make transporting kitchen tools easier.
Whether you need it for learning or traveling, kitchen knife cases can make your life easier. This accessory is made of excellent materials that will indeed protect your tools. With a large carrying capacity, you’ll never leave anything behind. Most of these cases lay flat when opened, so you can easily pick what you need.
Moreover, a kitchen knife case usually comes with a carrying handle and buckle closures, making it ideal for those who are attending culinary classes.
Blade Guard
Owning a Japanese knife is certainly not a joke since you need to protect its edges before it dulls out. The good news is you can stop worrying about your knives by simply using blade guards.
As the name suggests, blade guards shield the blades from any scratches and nicks, making the knife even more durable. If you are storing your knives in a drawer, you should consider putting blade guards first before piling them inside. It doesn’t only protect the knife, but it also guards your hand and prevents any possible accidents.
Accessorize Wisely
Two is better than one, but with knives, the more accessories, the better cooking experience you’ll have.
Japanese knife accessories are not just aesthetic pieces that fit your kitchen drawers and counters. They are tools that will put your knife skills on top of the game. Whether you’re preparing meals in your kitchen or having the best adventure outdoors, you can always maximize the use of your kitchen knives with the help of those accessories.
Don’t let your knives feel lonely. Keep them company with the accessories listed above and notice a significant difference in your knife skills.
