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Handcrafted Knife Care

Your handcrafted knife will give you many years of service and performance if you follow these simple care and maintenance tips.

  • Always keep your knife clean and dry to avoid rust on carbon steel.
  • Hand wash immediately after use using mild soap and warm water. Dry with a clean tea towel or paper towel. Don’t let it drip dry on the sink.
  • Never put your knife in the dishwasher. The heat and chemicals will destroy the handle and knife finish.
  • Always store your knife in a dry place. For long term storage, use a light coat of food safe oil such as food safe mineral oil.
  • Use a quality chopping board made from wood or plastic. Hard surfaces, such as glass, metal and stone, can damage the cutting edge.
  • Use suitable water stones to sharpen your knife or employ the services of a professional.
  • Use a fine ceramic honing rod or steel to touch up between sharpenings. Do not use those pull-through sharpeners.
  • Use your knife for the purpose it was designed for. Don’t try to cut through bones, hard cheese or frozen foods unless the knife was designed for that task.
  • Carbon steel will develop a patina over time.
  • Don’t store your knife in its sheath for extended periods. This can cause rust.

Leather Sheath Care

  • Every 6 to 12 months apply a Leather Conditioner, such as Fiebing’s Aussie Leather Conditioner Or for water-proofing and conditioning you can use Fiebing’s Snow-Proof™ Mink Oil.
  • Don’t let leather stay wet for long periods.
  • Don’t let its natural oils dry out from excessive heat – like on your hot dashboard, or near a campfire or furnace.
  • Don’t holster a dirty, wet, or bloody knife.

Patinas on Carbon Steel

  • A patina is a slow oxidisation of the steel that occurs with normal use and age, this results in your blade changing colour.
  • It adds character to your knife and shows its story over time. It also helps with rust resistance.
  • Acidic foods will create a patina quickly.
  • Different foods promote different colour patinas. Cooked meat can turn your steel blue and acidic foods such as lemons, pineapple and onions can turn it a grey/black colour.