How to Care for Laguiole Steak Knives and Their Wood Box
By etúHOME | Published: 2026-10-31
Category: Tips & Care
Keep your French steak knives sharp and their wood drawer box looking new with a simple wash, dry, and storage routine that prevents rust, loose handles, and warped wood.
Quick answer
Hand-wash your Laguiole steak knives in warm soapy water, dry them immediately, and store them in their wood drawer box away from moisture. Even though the set is dishwasher safe, hand-drying is the easiest way to protect the marbled handles and keep the wood box from warping.
Why hand-drying matters more than washing
The stainless steel blades resist rust, but the marbled handles and the wood drawer box are more sensitive to lingering moisture. Water trapped around the handle rivets or left on the wood can dull the finish over time. A quick towel-dry after every wash removes that risk without extra effort.
When the dishwasher is acceptable
The manufacturer lists this set as dishwasher safe, so an occasional cycle won't ruin the knives. But repeated dishwasher use exposes the handles to high heat and harsh detergent, which can gradually fade the marbled pattern. Reserve the dishwasher for busy nights and hand-wash when you have a minute.
Step-by-step care routine
- Rinse and wash promptly: After each meal, rinse food residue off the blades and handles with warm water, then wash with a mild dish soap and a soft sponge. Avoid letting acidic foods like tomato sauce or lemon juice sit on the blades. Don't soak the knives in the sink; prolonged soaking can weaken the handle material.
- Dry each knife by hand: Use a clean, dry towel to wipe the blade, handle, and the area around the rivets. Stand the knives upright in a rack for a few minutes to let any hidden moisture evaporate before storing. Never put damp knives into the wood box; trapped moisture can warp the wood and dull the blades.
- Clean the wood drawer box: Wipe the inside and outside of the box with a barely damp cloth, then dry immediately with a soft towel. Do not rinse the box under running water or use cleaning sprays. If the wood feels dry, apply a thin coat of food-safe mineral oil once or twice a year and let it soak in before replacing the knives.
- Store knives safely: Place each knife back into its slot in the drawer box with the blade pointing in the same direction. Keep the box in a dry cabinet or drawer, away from the stove and sink. Avoid storing the box in a humid spot like above the dishwasher; steady moisture is the main cause of warping.
Product facts
- The Original French Laguiole Steak Knives, Set of 6, Wood Drawer Box, Black: This set of six stainless steel steak knives is dishwasher safe and made in France. You can choose the dishwasher on busy evenings, but hand-washing and immediate drying will better preserve the handles and wood box over years of use.
The Original French Laguiole Steak Knives, Set of 6, Wood Drawer Box, Black
