You go into the kitchen to prepare some food and notice your knives are getting quite dull. You can’t quite remember how long you’ve had them. But one thing’s for sure: you want this next set to be durable.

So you ask yourself: how long do kitchen knives last?

A quality kitchen knife can last a lifetime. How long your kitchen knife lasts depends on the blade material and how much you use it. Also, keep your knife well maintained to get the most out of it. Avoid surfaces like glass, marble, ceramic, and granite, which can damage it over time.

The average cook typically buys full knife sets between $100 and $500. Chefs and other professionals may consider individual knives up to $2000.

Note: If your kitchen knife is difficult to slice with, you may just need to get it sharpened. Look for knife sharpening shops in your area. I know, it sounds weird. But I just looked up knife sharpening near me and I was pleasantly surprised. Some hardware stores may sharpen knives for you for a small fee.

If you find yourself sharpening your knives quite often, invest in a knife sharpener. They are really simple to use and work very well. Here’s one from Amazon that works quite well. It’ll save you money in the long run. But only use these on decent or low-quality knives. If you bought professional knives, it’s best to get them professionally sharpened.

Dull kitchen knives can be dangerous to use. It’s easy to slip or injure yourself with the knife when it’s dull. So make sure to get your knives sharpened as soon as they become difficult to cut with.

For most cooks, once a year is enough. But if you cook often or cook professionally, sharpen your knives two to three times a year.

Even though your knives can last decades, that’s not always the case. 

Here are five signs you should replace your kitchen knives.

When to Replace Your Kitchen Knives

1. The blade has noticeable chips.

Every blade will endure some wear and tear over time. Small chips are OK, but if you see any large bits of metal missing from your knife, you might need a replacement. I bought a knife last year and before too long, it got a small chip. But it was on the back of the blade, which is not a big deal.

Does the chip interfere with your cutting? Does it make the knife more difficult to use? If you answered yes to either of these questions, replace your kitchen knife.

2. The tip is bent or broken off.

Over time, the tip of your knife will dull. This is typically OK. But if the tip is bent or broken, you might need a new kitchen knife. To keep the knife in good condition, be gentle when cutting. Be careful to not drop the knife on the floor. That’s one of the easiest ways to break the tip.

3. The handle is loose or falls off.

If the handle falls off, you’ve probably had that knife for too long. Typically handles don’t fall off until after decades of use. The rivets can come loose, which we’ll touch on a little later.

Consider investing in a higher-quality knife. Cheaper knives fall apart much faster.

4. The knife is hard to work with.

When cooking, you want to use cooking utensils that are comfortable. Sometimes you can’t get exactly what you want the first time.

Maybe the knife is too big. Or it is difficult to grip. Or perhaps the type of blade isn’t what you were looking for. Whatever the reason, if you’re finding it difficult to use your knife, it might be time to look for a different one.

5. The rivets are loose.

This is not very common, but it can happen. The rivets on the knife are the metal pins that secure the handle. If these come loose, it can get quite difficult to keep the knife stable.

How often should you replace kitchen knives?

You shouldn’t need to replace quality kitchen knives at all. Of course, if any part starts to break, consider buying a replacement. But most knives are built to last decades.

Can knives last forever?

Yes, a quality kitchen knife can last a lifetime. Typically these knives have a starting cost between $50 and $100. You can find high-quality knives for several hundred dollars, designed for professional chefs.

Can you sharpen a knife forever?

You can sharpen a knife for decades, as long as you sharpen it only once or twice a year. Each time you sharpen a knife, a thin layer of metal is removed. So it’s possible to ruin a knife by sharpening it incorrectly or too often.

How can I make my knife last longer?

To make your knife last longer, make sure that you 1) wash and dry it after every use, 2) only use it to cut food (not frozen food), 3) apply some mineral oil on the blade and handle, and 4) always cut on a cutting board or another surface that won’t damage the blade. The mineral oil helps prevent rust, just like the layer of oil applied when seasoning a wok.

Why won’t my knives stay sharp?

If your knives aren’t staying sharp, you might simply have a low-quality knife. Decent kitchen knives have a starting cost of around $50 to $100. If you’re using your knife for things other than food, it can dull quickly. Frozen food or food that’s difficult to slice can wear down your knife fast too.

Which type of knives stay sharper for longer?

Ceramic knives are one of the sharpest you can find. But they break easily. Carbon steel is also quite sharp but they are difficult to find. Your best bet is to go with a stainless steel knife. They are sold everywhere, durable, and affordable.

Do expensive knives stay sharper longer?

Typically, expensive knives stay sharper longer. But the sharpness of a knife, or edge retention, depends on its material – not its price. Soft metals are easy to sharpen but require more sharpening. Whereas a harder metal is difficult to sharpen but stays sharp for a long time.

So if you’re looking for a knife that stays sharp for a long time, don’t default to super-expensive knives. Instead, pay close attention to the type of material.

Do stainless steel knives stay sharp?

Stainless steel knives typically retain their edge for one to two years. They are prone to corrosion and rust, though. To combat rust, apply mineral oil to the blade and handle every year or so.

Do knife sharpeners ruin knives?

Knife sharpeners do not ruin knives, but it’s possible to ruin your knife if you sharpen it incorrectly. It’s important to use the right amount of pressure and angle when sharpening your knife.

Take a look at the video below to learn how to use a handheld knife sharpener.

Do unused knives get dull?

Unused knives won’t get dull. Make sure to store your knife in a place where it doesn’t rub against anything. If you wash your knife in the dishwasher, chemicals in the detergent can dull your knife over time.

How much should you spend on a set of knives?

The average cook should spend between $50 and $100 on a set of knives. Professional chefs might consider knife sets up to $2000.

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