Have you ever thought about how to protect your kitchen knives from getting dull and damaged? There’s a simple solution to this problem and it’s called a knife sheath. It’s a protective cover also known as scabbard. It’ll keep your knives safe during travelling or while in the kitchen drawer. But it’ll also protect you from getting hurt. Overall, this is a great kitchen accessory to have in your possession.
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Types of Sheaths
Nylon
Nylon sheaths are made of synthetic fibres. They’re known for their flexibility, strength, durability and abrasion resistance. Manufacturers coat the fibres with water-resistant coatings to make the sheaths even better. Some of them even have closures and fasteners which makes transporting and storage much safer.
These sheaths are lightweight and you can easily fold or roll them up. This makes them very simple to store because they don’t take up a lot of space. You can store them in drawers, backpacks, gear bags etc. They’re great for outdoorsy people like campers, hikers and hunters because they can withstand a lot of wear and tear in the wild.
Wooden
A wooden sheath is one of the most popular types. Wooden sheaths were originally used with samurai swords. They protected the blade from the cold and moisture during the winter months. Plus, they kept the edge sharp and prevented it from getting chipped and clipped. If you decide to buy a wooden one, make sure you buy high quality saya for your knives.
Invest as much as you can because this accessory will keep your knives sharp and ready for use. They’re also great for safe storage because they keep the blade away from children. Wooden sheaths are good when you’re travelling with your knives. They keep them tucked away and prevent the knives and the other items in the bag from getting damaged.
These sayas are made of hardwoods such as magnolia, bamboo, nurizaya or ho wood. Manufacturers chose hardwoods, especially magnolia, because they’re water-resistant, can evade erosion for a long time, are odourless, easy to paint and are very durable. You can easily customise your sheaths with engraving or choosing colours.
If you’re using a wooden case, make sure you store both the knife and the case properly. Never put a wet knife inside the sheath. Always dry it completely. Otherwise, it can cause rusting. Make sure the back of the knife, and not the edge, touches the case inside. Also, never clean the sheath in the dishwasher. Use pipe cleaners for the interior and just a damp cloth for the exterior.
Leather
Leather sheaths are one of the most durable options. They’re usually made of cowhide or vegetable-tanned leather. They’re strong but soft, and won’t damage the knife. They often have straps and belt loops so you can carry them around easily. Look for sheaths with welted and reinforced seams and stitching. These leather protectors have a very elegant look. They’re almost a classic, a timeless piece that looks good with any type of knife. Plus, they’re customisable and you can add engravings and prints to make them personal.
Plastic
The two most common plastic materials used to make sheaths are polypropylene and polyethylene. They’re a cheap alternative which makes them very popular. Once they’re shaped, these cases have a smooth surface. As a result, they’re easy to clean and simple to sanitise. This is crucial if you want to keep your knives bacteria-free. You’ll notice that most plastic cases have holes. They’re there to prevent moisture buildup and rust development.
Magnetic
These sheaths firmly hold knives in place by using strong magnets included into the material. They tend to be designed to match contemporary kitchen décor using materials like metal, plastic, or wood. A magnetic sheath lets you display your knives on a wall or a magnetic strip.
They come in many sizes and can house all types of kitchen knives no matter their purpose, size and shape. They’re great if you want to showcase the beauty of your Japanese or Damascus chef knives. Magnetic cases are a great option because they give you easy access to the knives even when you’re in a hurry making some meal preparations.
Silicone
A silicone saya is made of food-grade silicone. It’s perfectly safe to mix with food. It’s also heat resistant and very flexible. Compared to wooden or leather sayas, silicone ones are much softer and they provide a cushioned barrier between the knife and other surfaces. This prevents chips, scratches and dents. High-quality silicone is also odour-resistant which means you can store the knives no matter what you’re using them for.
Fabric
The three most common fabrics used to make sayas are denim, canvas, and ballistic nylon. These sheaths are very practical for outdoor activities such as camping or picnics. They often have Velcro straps or snap buttons. Some of them even have extra pockets for storage or smaller compartments for sharpening stones and peelers.
Kydex
Kydex or thermoplastic acrylic-polyvinyl chloride is a very rigid and versatile material. To make these sheaths, the Kydex is heated until it becomes malleable and is then moulded to fit precisely around the shape of the knife edge. You can customise the way you carry it or the sheath’s retention with eyelets, screws and rivets.
How to Take Care of Your Sheaths?
All knife sheaths deserve to be treated right. You should take good care of them. These are things that will extend the knife’s life and make sure the saya lasts for a long time as well. They need regular cleaning to remove dirt, grime, moisture and dust. Always use a damp cloth to wipe the outside of the sheath. Don’t soak them in water or chemicals.
Avoid scouring pads that will scratch the surface and damage the sheaths. Always air dry them because moisture can cause mould and mildew. After a while, leather cases can lose their shape, but there’s a trick to bring them back. You can do it with a heat treatment. Nylon and synthetic sheaths need UV protection and should be stored in a cool and dry place.
