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Is It Bad If I Don't Sharpen My Kitchen Knives? [VIDEO]

By Hannah Crowley Published

Watch Hannah explain how to take care of knives—plus, learn how to get your kitchen knives sharp (and safe) again with our favorite gear.

Welcome to Is it Bad?, a digital video series starring Tastings & Testings deputy editor Hannah Crowley. You can connect with Hannah on Instagram or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and never miss a new episode.

Feed your knife inspiration with our editors' picks.

Crucial Gear
Knife Sharpeners, 20-Degree (Conventional Western)

Equipment Review Knife Sharpeners, 20-Degree (Conventional Western)

We tested nine sharpeners designed to maintain 20-degree (Western style) knives.

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Equipment Review Manual Knife Sharpeners

Can a compact, inexpensive tool keep your kitchen knives in top shape?

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Equipment Review Best Chef's Knives

One chef’s knife has been a champ in our kitchen for nearly two decades. Can any other blade come close to offering what it does—and at a bargain price?

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Bob Kramer 8" Carbon Steel Chef’s Knife by Zwilling J.A. Henckels

Equipment Review Carbon-Steel Knives

Carbon-steel enthusiasts have long considered these knives sharper and more durable than stainless. But do they really perform better—and are they worth the upkeep?

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Equipment Review Santoku Knives

With its petite build and curved tip, this friendly-looking Japanese blade is giving Western-style chef’s knives a run for their money. But does it offer something unique?

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JC
JOHN C.
16 days

Absolutely the best chicken ever, even the breast meat was moist! It's the only way I'll cook a whole chicken again. Simple, easy, quick, no mess - perfect every time. I've used both stainless steel and cast iron pans. great and easy technique for “roasted” chicken. I will say there were no pan juices, just fat in the skillet. Will add to the recipe rotation. Good for family and company dinners too. I've done this using a rimmed sheet pan instead of a skillet and put veggies and potatoes around the chicken for a one-pan meal. Broccoli gets nicely browned and yummy!

Absolutely the best chicken ever, even the breast meat was moist! It's the only way I'll cook a whole chicken again. Simple, easy, quick, no mess - perfect every time. I've used both stainless steel and cast iron pans. great and easy technique for “roasted” chicken. I will say there were no pan juices, just fat in the skillet. Will add to the recipe rotation. Good for family and company dinners too.

MD
MILES D.
JOHN C.
9 days

Amazed this recipe works out as well as it does. Would not have thought that the amount of time under the broiler would have produced a very juicy and favorable chicken with a very crispy crust. Used my 12" Lodge Cast Iron skillet (which can withstand 1000 degree temps to respond to those who wondered if it would work) and it turned out great. A "make again" as my family rates things. This is a great recipe, and I will definitely make it again. My butcher gladly butterflied the chicken for me, therefore I found it to be a fast and easy prep. I used my cast iron skillet- marvellous!

CM
CHARLES M.
11 days

John, wasn't it just amazing chicken? So much better than your typical oven baked chicken and on par if not better than gas or even charcoal grilled. It gets that smokey charcoal tasted and overnight koshering definitely helps, something I do when time permits. First-time I've pierced a whole chicken minus the times I make jerk chicken on the grill. Yup, the cast iron was not an issue.