Help! Rust on my kitchen knife?

If you've just purchased a beautiful, razor-sharp kitchen knife and suddenly discover tiny rust spots, it's a bit of a shock. Understandable. But don't panic: these spots are usually the result of pitting corrosion, a common and harmless phenomenon. And more importantly, it's easy to prevent and fix.

What exactly is pit corrosion?

Pit corrosion is a form of surface rust that develops on stainless steel knives. It sounds contradictory: "stainless" and yet rust? But here's the thing: stainless steel contains chromium, which forms a protective layer of chromium oxide that protects the knife from corrosion. If this layer is damaged (for example, by acids, dishwashing detergents, or contact with other metals), and the knife remains damp, a small rust spot can appear. You'll often see a black spot with a brown/orange ring around it.

Is my knife broken?

Absolutely not! Kitchen knives, especially those with a high carbon content for improved cutting performance, are always a compromise between sharpness and maintenance. A razor-sharp knife is simply a little more susceptible to rust. But don't let that deter you: pitting corrosion doesn't affect the quality of your knife, as long as you handle it properly.

How to remove rust spots in 3 steps

Fortunately, these rust stains are very easy to remove:

1. Take a soft cloth or sponge
2. Put a little abrasive on it, such as CIF
3. Gently rub the spot until it is gone

Please note: a small hole may often remain visible, but this will not affect the functioning of your knife.

How do you prevent rust on your knife?

A few simple habits will help keep your knives in top condition:

• Rinse your knife with warm water immediately after use
• Immediately dry the knife thoroughly with a tea towel
• Avoid the dishwasher, which is detrimental to knives due to heat, moisture and salt.
• Never leave your knife wet, especially not on a stainless steel countertop or in the sink
• Sharpen your knife regularly to keep the cutting edge rust-free

And finally...

We often hear it: "I do everything right, and yet there's rust on my knife!" And yet... there's a drop of water left somewhere, or the knife has been sitting on the counter overnight. No big deal, it happens to even the best home chefs. Our advice: share these tips with everyone who uses your kitchen knives, so you all take good care of your kitchen tools.

At KookGigant, we want you to shine in the kitchen, worry-free. So, spot a stain? Don't stress. Just polish it, and get back to cooking!