Knife Care
A good knife can last a lifetime
If you look after your knife, it will look after you. Hand-wash your knives only, never put them in the dishwasher, avoid submerging the wood in water and give them a wipe clean will using them, especially if cutting acidic foods. Most of the woods I used are stabilised with acrylic resin, and treated with wax after finishing, however they are still wood, and contact with water should be minimised. A wipe with a damp cloth is sufficient most of the time.
Carbon Steel
Unlike stainless steels, carbon steels will patina after contact with moisture and acid or rust if exposed to moisture for a long time. You will notice that your knife will start to develop a unique patina, that will form a protective coating after some time. When first using your knife make sure to dry it well straight after use. They take a little more diligence to care for than stainless blades, but I don’t believe this to be a bad thing. I see caring for my knives as a ritual, to be enjoyed as much as the cooking. The play of shimmering mineral oil on the blade, to be applied when not in use. The deep glossy gleam of wax rubbed into the highly finished hardwood. The cathartic process of sharpening a blade on a whetstone. Enjoy caring for your tools, and you’ll enjoy the the act of using them even more!
Products to use
A simple food safe mineral oil rubbed into the blade when you are finished using it will keep the blade protected from moisture when not in use.
A beeswax based wax or a wood finishing oil applied to the handle every week or so will keep your hardwood stable, water resistant and shiny.
For day to day honing of the knife, I prefer to strop on a leather belt, as opposed to a honing steel as its less harsh on the blade.
For a proper sharpen, use only whetstones, do not use automatic sharpeners or sharpening machines. Invest in a combination 1000/5000 grit whetstone and learn to use it. I love the process, it’s relaxing and satisfying. If you purchase a knife, feel free to come to the workshop and I will give you a free lesson on whetstone.
If you don’t feel like sharpening your own knife, I offer a knife sharpening service. Drop your knife in and I will get it back to you razor sharp in no time.