# Maintenance of Japanese kitchen knives

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/maintenance-of-japanese-kitchen-knives
> Updated: 2026-09-04T18:06:07.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Following a 34% increase in Japanese knife sales since 2023, there is a heightened focus on specialized maintenance and storage techniques to protect high-carbon, brittle steel edges.

To prevent damage to delicate blades such as santokus or gyutos, experts suggest utilizing magnetic knife blocks rather than traditional slotted versions to avoid scraping edges. Additionally, using specific cutting surfaces like Hinoki (Japanese cypress) wood is recommended to provide a gentle ‘give’ that preserves blade sharpness and prevents chipping.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-04: Japanese knife maintenance: Best magnetic blocks and cutting boards

As Japanese knife sales rise, proper care through magnetic knife blocks and Hinoki wood cutting boards is essential to protect brittle, high-quality steel edges from damage.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japanese-knife-maintenance-best-magnetic-blocks-and-cutting-boards

### 2026-08-26: Kitchen knife maintenance and sharpening tips

Proper kitchen knife maintenance involves using a saline soak before sharpening, hand washing instead of using dishwashers, and storing blades in blocks or magnetic strips to prevent damage.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kitchen-knife-maintenance-and-sharpening-tips

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Cite as: Maintenance of Japanese kitchen knives. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/maintenance-of-japanese-kitchen-knives