Store Knives Off the Drawer Floor
Tossing knives loose into a drawer dulls the edge fast (metal-on-metal contact) and it's a real safety hazard when you reach in blind. A magnetic strip, an in-drawer knife tray, or blade guards/sheaths all keep the edge protected. Always hand-wash and dry knives immediately after use — the dishwasher's heat, moisture, and jostling against other utensils will dull and even chip a good blade.
Sources & methodology: These tips draw on established food-science references —
Harold McGee's food-science writing, America's Test Kitchen /
Cook's Illustrated testing, Serious Eats'
technique reporting, USDA food safety guidance,
and peer-reviewed food-safety research (including UC Davis
cutting-board studies) — not reworded recipe-blog consensus.