KNIFE USE & CARE
Sharpening 
Sharp knives are safer than dull ones because dull knives require more pressure for cutting, which can result in slipping. Sharpening knives with a sharpening steel can seem difficult at first, but it’s actually quite easy once you get the hang of it.
- Hold sharpening steel point down on flat stable surface like table or cutting board
- Angle the knife blade so that it is approximately 15 degrees from the sharpening steel
- Pull the knife down & across the sharpening steel in a slight arc, pulling the knife handle toward you. Stroke the entire blade edge from base to tip.
- Repeat on the other side of the steel.
- Repeat steps 3 & 4 three to five times, alternating the right & left side of the cutting edge.
Knives should be sharpened after every couple uses for maximum performance.
Use a scouring powder to clean & remove metal particles from your sharpening steel. After cleaning the steel, rinse it with water, dry it thoroughly & store it in a dry place.
Cleaning
For best results, hand wash your knives with a soapy cloth & dry immediately. Soaking wood-handled knives in water can remove the natural oils from the handles. Dishwashing may cause banging against other dishes that can nick the edges. Additionally, the heat & detergent may have a corrosive effect on the handles.
Use a scouring powder to clean & remove metal particles from your sharpening steel. After cleaning the steel, rinse it with water, dry it thoroughly & store it in a dry place.
Storing
Sharp knives should never be stored loose in a drawer because contact with hard objects can dull the blade & reaching into a knife drawer can be very dangerous. We recommend storing your knives in a hardwood block for safety & convenience. Many Chicago Cutlery sets include a hardwood block for storage. Empty Chicago Cutlery hardwood blocks are also available at many retailers.
Knife Safety
Keep knives sharp at all times Use the correct size & type of knife for the job Cut away from the body when possible Use knives with a wooden or polyethylene cutting board After handling a knife, lay it down in a cleared area with the blade away from the body & safe distance from the edge of the cutting area Do not reach blindly for a knife; reach deliberately for the handle Never try to catch a falling knife Do not use a knife to stab, pull, or lift materials Knives should not be used as can openers, screw drivers, or ice picks nor are they intended for prying apart frozen food