How to Care for a Butter Knife

Unlike many other knives, which you can put to use in various situations, butter knives are pretty much good only for spreading butter. Although this single function use may seem silly to those who haven't used them, its rare to find a household without one.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Clean and dry your butter knife after use. It's always best to keep your knife as dry and free from food remnants as possible.

2. Wash knife by hand whenever you can.

3. Keep knife stored in a drawer when it is not in use.

4. Polish regularly if your butter knife is silver or silver plated to prevent tarnishing.

Tips & Warnings

• While butter knives are safe in the dishwasher, prolonged exposure to moisture can eventually lead to rusting.
• Some people leave butter knives out (perhaps on the butter tray) at times when they aren't being used. Although this isn't immediately harmful, it's not good for the knife.
• Don't sharpen your butter knife--they don't need to be sharp.
• In common use of the term, butter knife can refer to any table knife that had a dull blade and is somewhat rounded at the point. Some people also refer to cutlery knives as butter knives.
• Never use knife oil to clean a butter knife. You should only use knife oil, such as Japanese oil made from Camellia flowers, on utilitarian knives not involved in the preparation of food.