Whether you want paper-thin slices of tomato or need to carve up a hefty pot roast, having a finely honed set of kitchen cutlery is essential for any cook. Unfortunately, many people neglect their knives, leading to subpar cuisine. Making uniform and precise slices is not only essential for aesthetics, it also ensures even cooking.

Taking proper care of your knives will help them keep their edge longer, meaning you have to sharpen them less. First and foremost, always hand wash your knives; nothing dulls a blade faster than being run through the dishwasher. It’s also important to store your knives in a knife block. When your knives are thrown haphazardly in a drawer, other implements and knives their edge.