DDF iohEF Kitchen Knife Set (16-Piece, Dark Brown)

Are these knives dishwasher safe?

No, these knives should not be placed in the dishwasher. The high carbon Japanese steel construction and pakkawood handles require hand washing to prevent damage. Dishwasher detergents and high temperatures can cause blade corrosion and handle deterioration. Simply wash with warm soapy water and dry immediately after use to maintain their condition.

How often should I use the included sharpening rod?

Use the sharpening rod every 2-3 uses for light maintenance, or whenever you notice the blade isn't cutting as smoothly as usual. The rod doesn't actually sharpen but realigns the blade edge. For proper sharpening when the blade becomes dull, you'll need professional sharpening or whetstones. Regular use of the rod can extend time between full sharpenings to 6-12 months depending on usage.

What's the difference between the chef knife and santoku knife in this set?

The 8" chef knife features a curved blade ideal for rocking cuts and chopping large quantities of vegetables or herbs. The 7" santoku has a straighter edge with a wider blade, perfect for precise slicing, dicing and mincing. The santoku's design prevents food from sticking to the blade surface, making it excellent for preparing vegetables and boneless meats.

Can I use these knives on glass or stone cutting boards?

Avoid using these knives on glass, granite, or other hard surfaces as they will quickly dull the high carbon steel blades. Use wooden, bamboo, or plastic cutting boards instead. These softer surfaces protect the blade edge whilst providing adequate cutting support. Glass and stone surfaces are significantly harder than steel and will damage even the highest quality knife edges.

How flexible is the 7" fillet knife included in the set?

The fillet knife offers moderate flexibility - enough to follow bone contours when filleting fish or deboning poultry, but not so flexible that it becomes difficult to control. This balance makes it suitable for both fish filleting and meat preparation tasks. The blade maintains its shape under normal cutting pressure whilst allowing the precision needed for delicate work.

What weight is this complete knife set?

The complete 16-piece set weighs approximately 4.5kg including the wooden storage block. The individual knives are well-balanced with moderate weight that provides good cutting momentum without causing hand fatigue. The substantial feel indicates quality construction whilst remaining comfortable for extended use in professional or home kitchen environments.

Are the steak knives serrated or straight-edged?

The six 4.5" steak knives feature straight edges rather than serrated blades. This design allows for cleaner cuts through cooked meats without tearing fibres and the blades can be properly sharpened unlike serrated knives. The straight edge also makes them suitable for other table cutting tasks beyond steak, such as cutting cooked vegetables or other proteins.

How should I store these knives to maintain their sharpness?

Use the included ventilated wooden block for optimal storage. The block's design allows air circulation around each blade, preventing moisture buildup that could cause rust or dulling. Never store knives loose in drawers where blades can knock against other utensils. The wooden block also protects blade edges from damage and keeps them safely organised and easily accessible during cooking.