You've chosen excellence by purchasing TB Groupe kitchen knives. That's the first and most important step. But for the magic of cutting to work its wonders day after day, you must consider the working environment of your blades. An exceptional knife is a high-precision tool, with an edge that's only a few microns thick.
This area, so efficient, is also incredibly fragile. The two biggest dangers lurking there aren't necessarily what you'd expect: they're your cutting board and your kitchen drawer. We'll explain how to turn these potential risks into your best allies.
The essentials to never damage your blades
- The right cutting board: Use only wooden or plastic boards. These are the only materials that will protect the edge of your knife.
- Proper storage: Always keep your knives separate. A block, a magnetic strip, or individual sheaths are essential to prevent destructive impacts.
Which cutting board should you choose to avoid damaging your blades?
This is a fundamental question. The surface you cut on has a direct and immediate impact on the longevity of your knife's edge. A poor choice can ruin the edge of a perfectly sharp blade in just a few strokes.
Materials that are friendly to your knives
There's no secret to it: you need a material that's "softer" than the steel of the blade. This way, the cutting edge penetrates the material without wearing down prematurely. Two types of materials are recommended:
- ✅ Wood: Beech, bamboo, walnut... This is the traditional and excellent choice. Wood is soft, hygienic (with proper care) and perfectly preserves the grain.
- ✅ Plastic: Quality polyethylene cutting boards are a very good alternative, easy to clean and do not damage the cutting edge at all.
Materials to ban from your kitchen
We know that a beautiful slate or glass cutting board can look "pretty" or "natural." But for your knives, it's a real nightmare. These materials are harder than steel, and each cut causes a micro-shock that damages the edge. Using them is absolutely destructive to cutting performance.
- ❌ The glass
- ❌ Ceramics
- ❌ The slate
- ❌ The marble or granite of your worktop
How should you store your knives to preserve such a fragile edge?
Your knife has done its job well; it's time to put it away. The most common mistake? Slipping it into the cutlery drawer, among the forks and spoons. This is, without exaggeration, the best way to damage the product. Every time the drawer is opened and closed, your blade is subjected to impacts that eventually destroy that crucial 3- to 5-micron edge.
To guarantee the protection of the wire, there is only one rule: the blades must never touch each other, nor come into contact with other metallic objects.
- The knife block
- An iconic and safe solution, the block offers a dedicated space for each knife, ensuring that it is perfectly separated from its "colleagues".
- The wall-mounted magnetic bar
- Practical and stylish, it keeps your tools within easy reach while keeping them separate. Each knife has its own dedicated space.
- The protective sheath
- It's the individual sheath that makes all the difference. Once protected in its sheath, your knife can be stored in a drawer without any risk.
Your questions, our answers
My wooden board is full of knife marks, is that normal?
Yes, and that's actually a good sign! These marks prove that your board is doing its job: it's soft enough for the blade to sink in slightly, thus preserving its edge. A board without any marks is probably too hard for your knives.
Are there a risk that the magnetic bars will cause the knives to fall?
If you choose a good quality bar with strong magnets, the risk is virtually nil. Make sure the flat metal part of the blade is firmly pressed against the bar. This is a very safe solution used by many professionals.
I used a glass cutting board and my knife no longer cuts, is it irreversible?
No, thankfully! The edge is "simply" dulled, meaning the edge has rounded. It's not broken. A good sharpening with a honing steel, a manual sharpener, or by a professional will restore the edge and give your knife back its full effectiveness.
