Case XX Chef's Knife

No, you should hand wash this knife. The natural walnut handle can crack or warp if exposed to the high heat and harsh detergents of a dishwasher, and hand washing helps maintain the blade's edge retention.

Full tang means the metal of the blade extends all the way through the handle. This provides better balance, superior durability, and ensures the handle is less likely to break or separate from the blade during heavy use.

While Tru-Sharp steel is designed to hold an edge well, the frequency of sharpening depends on your usage. For a home cook, honing the blade regularly with a honing steel will keep it sharp, with professional sharpening needed perhaps once or twice a year.

The handle is finished for durability, but like all wood-handled knives, it benefits from occasional care. To keep the wood from drying out, you can apply a food-safe mineral oil to the handle every few months.

At 6.2 ounces, this knife is well-balanced for general kitchen tasks like chopping vegetables and slicing meat. While it is sturdy, it is designed as a versatile chef's knife rather than a heavy-duty cleaver, so use caution with very dense, hard-skinned produce.