Frequently Asked Questions

 Can my knives be cleaned in the dishwasher?

We do not recommend using the dishwasher to clean your knives as it may cause damage. You can read more on our “Use and Care” page.

How can I clean my knives?

Wash by hand with water and mild dish soap, rinse, and dry with a dishcloth immediately. See our “Use and Care” page for more detailed instructions.

Can my knives be used to cut bones?

Only cut meat, vegetables, fruit or the like as bones are too hard and cutting them may chip the edge of the blade. Please reference our “Use and Care” for more information

Can my knives be used to cut frozen foods?

No, frozen foods are too hard and solid to cut through and doing so may chip blade edge. The blade may also get stuck and damaged. Refer to our Use and Care page for more detail.

What kind of cutting surface should I cut on?

Use your knives on top of soft cutting surfaces such as wood, bamboo, or plastic cutting boards. DO NOT use on hard surfaces such as glass, tile, granite, marble, stone, ceramic, or acrylic as these will chip the edge of the blade.

How do I sharpen my knife?

We recommend using a ceramic rod to hone your knife regularly and sharpening your knife with Japanese whetstone (1000/6000 grit). Another option is to send your knife to a local knife sharpener in your area. Refer to our Use and Care page to learn more about honing and sharpening.

How do I store my knife?

After washing and drying fully, the best way to store your knife is in a knife block, knife case/holder, magnetic kitchen strip, cutlery tray, sheath, or in the original box.

Does ZHEN offer any warranty?

We offer limited lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects. All used knives or damaged knives by customers are not covered by original manufacturer warranty.

What types of handle material do ZHEN knives come in?

Brown Pakkawood, black Micarta, stainless steel, oak wood, and TPR. (Please note that our knife kits do not come with handle materials and are intended for custom handles)

What kinds of steel do ZHEN knives come in?

  • German 101-Layer Damascus Steel
  • VG-10 Core 67-Layer Damascus Steel
  • Hammered Finish VG-10 Core 67-Layer Damascus Steel
  • VG-10 Core 3-Layer Forged Steel
  • 440 High Carbon Steel

Forged steel vs stamped steel, what is the difference?

Forged steel is made by combining many layers of steel while stamped steel is pressed from a single metal sheet. The result is that forged steel is much higher quality and stronger to build and longer durability. This stronger steel will bend less when cutting against objects, retaining its sharpness. At ZHEN, we only offer quality forged stainless steel.

Why does the blade on my knife chip even though I take good care of it?

Incorrect cutting technique or prolonged exposure to moisture may cause chips on the knife blade. A back-and-forth slicing motion is the best way to use your knife. Moisture may promote micro-corrosion which results in tiny chips or missing pieces in your knife’s cutting edge. It can also weaken the steel, and even normal use can cause small chips in the weakened sections on the edge. Wash and dry immediately after every use to prevent this situation.

What are knife blank project kits?

ZHEN is proud to be one of few brands in the cutlery market that offers knife kits. Knife kits come with a blank knife blade and pin sets, but no handle material, as they are intended for woodworking projects to create custom handles.