We’ve all had the same doubt in the kitchen at some point: “Should I sharpen this knife or just throw it away?” Hitting the mark with a sustainable answer is much easier than it might seem at first.

When we talk about knives, we’re not referring to just any kitchen utensil. They’re precision tools, made from highly resistant, durable materials that can stay with us for years. However, whether due to a lack of proper maintenance or simply not knowing how to care for them, we often end up replacing them before they reach the end of their true lifespan. In the long run, this means higher costs, more waste, and an unnecessary environmental footprint.

That’s why today we want to show you how to make responsible decisions with your knives: when it’s worth repairing or sharpening, how to revive the edge, where to recycle them properly, and what to do with those you no longer use regularly. All clearly explained, with no technical jargon, and with practical tips from our top professionals. If this topic interests you as much as it does us, keep reading—you’ll be surprised by what we’ve got in store for you.

When is it worth sharpening or repairing?

Very good question. We’d say it’s always worth it when your knife is dull but the blade isn’t broken, the nicks are quite minor, the handle is still just as firm, and the blade shows no deep corrosion.

However, if the blade is badly bent, you see cracks, rust is already compromising the steel, and the handle won’t stop moving, don’t think twice: it’s time to take action and renew your knife collection.

In short, if the blade is intact, sharpening is by far the better option—especially when we’re talking about a premium knife with a certain level of quality.

Reviving the edge: the great sustainable habit

It’s important to understand that reviving is not the same as sharpening. When we revive the edge, what we do is realign it with the help of a honing rod or a strop. This is something you should do regularly if we want to maintain the proper lifespan of our knives. However, when we decide to sharpen, what we do is remove material in order to recreate the edge. This is an action that should only be carried out when we see that the knife is struggling to cut and constantly slips.

If you consider yourself a real home cook, you should revive your tools every few uses; we’d even say you can do it almost daily. By doing this, we can assure you that you’ll hardly need to sharpen and, as a result, your knife will last many more years.

Environmental footprint: why extending your knife’s life matters

Behind every knife there is an entire process of steel extraction and processing, manufacturing energy, transport, packaging, and a complete distribution chain. In sustainability, there is a very simple rule: the most eco-friendly product is the one you already have or can keep functional.

Materials such as stainless steel, carbon steel, and wood are some of the most sustainable options for your next knife.

Is it possible to recycle knives?

Of course. Since the blade is metal, it can be recycled without any problem. The only thing you need to do is drop it off safely at one of the recommended recycling points near you.

Where can you throw away kitchen knives?

The best option is to take them to a recycling point. If that’s not possible in your case or you don’t have one nearby, throw them in the bin, but always well wrapped and protected. Never loose, to avoid causing any kind of danger.

So, are you thinking about reviving or directly renewing your knives? Take a look at the condition of each one and, based on what you’ve learned today, decide which action to take. Either way, at Arcos we have all the tools you need to give your kitchen knife a second useful life.