How to Clean and Care for Your Team Logo Chef Knife

Quick answer

Hand wash your team logo chef knife with mild soap and dry immediately; sharpen regularly with a honing steel or whetstone, and store it in a knife block or on a magnetic strip to protect the blade and the logo.

Step-by-step care routine for your team logo chef knife

1. Hand wash immediately after use: Rinse the blade under warm water, then wash with a soft sponge and mild dish soap. Avoid abrasive pads or scrub brushes that can scratch the logo. Wash the handle too, especially around the bolster where food particles can collect. Never put your team logo chef knife in the dishwasher — the heat and detergent will damage both the blade edge and the logo.
2. Dry thoroughly right away: Use a clean, soft dish towel to dry the blade and handle completely. Pay attention to the area where the blade meets the handle; moisture trapped there can lead to rust or loosen the handle over time. Air drying is not recommended because water spots can form on the blade and the logo area. Even a few minutes of air drying can leave mineral deposits on the black finish of a knife like the Chicago Bears Chef Knife.
3. Hone before each use session: Run the blade along a honing steel at a 20-degree angle, alternating sides, about 5-10 strokes. Honing realigns the edge without removing metal. Do this before every cooking session, not after — it keeps the edge sharp longer and reduces the need for full sharpening. Honing is not sharpening. If the blade feels dull after honing, it's time to use a whetstone or send it to a professional.
4. Sharpen when the blade no longer bites: Use a whetstone (1000-3000 grit for home use) or a quality pull-through sharpener designed for chef knives. Hold the blade at a 15-20 degree angle and draw it across the stone from heel to tip. Repeat on both sides until a burr forms, then finish with a finer grit. For most home cooks, 2-3 sharpenings per year is enough. Over-sharpening removes blade metal faster. Only sharpen when the knife struggles to slice through a tomato or onion skin.
5. Store safely to protect the blade and logo: Store your team logo chef knife in a wooden knife block, on a magnetic strip, or in a blade guard. Avoid tossing it loose in a drawer where it can knock against other utensils — this dulls the edge and can scratch the logo. A magnetic strip also keeps the logo visible, so you can show off your team pride. A blade guard is a good option if you travel with the knife or have limited counter space, but make sure the guard is clean and dry before sliding it on.

Products mentioned in this guide

• Chicago Bears Chef Knife: The Chicago Bears Chef Knife is designed for everyday cutting tasks with a bold Bears-inspired look and black finish. The black finish can show water spots if not dried immediately, so hand drying after washing is especially important.

  

• MLB™ St. Louis Cardinals™ Chef Knife: The MLB™ St. Louis Cardinals™ Chef Knife is built for slicing, dicing, and chopping with an officially licensed team design. The licensed design benefits from gentle cleaning to keep the graphics crisp and intact for years.