How to care for your Knife!

IMPORTANT!!! ~~How to Properly Care For Your High Carbon Steel Knife:    

High Carbon Steel knives are a preferred tool for professionals. High Carbon Steel takes a sharper edge and holds it for longer than stainless. High Carbon Steel is, however, a more care-intensive material. High Carbon Steel is reactive because it does not contain as much chromium as stainless. A High Carbon Steel knife will rust if left dirty or wet for prolonged periods.   So care for your knife by: 

- Wiping the blade clean after EACH USE with a wet towel and completely drying it before storing. 

- Apply an oil (3-in-1 oil for a hunting knife and Vegetable, Olive or another oil that is food safe for a kitchen knife) to the blade after use. This will protect the blade from any rust.

- Always hand wash your knives with soap and water. NEVER (EVER...EVER!!) wash your knives in the dishwasher. Dish-washing detergent is corrosive to the steel and will likely damage your knife irreparably. 

- High Carbon Steel knives develop a patina with use.  I intentionally put a patina on each knife to protect it.  A patina is a coffee colored stain that has a gray/blue-green tint to it. A patina will help resist corrosion. Be mindful of the color of the steel.  Rust and corrosion appear red, orange or brown.  Clean that immediately and oil it (3-in-1 oil for a hunting knife and Vegetable, Olive or another oil that is food safe for a kitchen knife)! 

- If you do encounter rust, GENTLY (VERY GENTLY!!!) scrub the affected areas with the scrubbing side of a sponge or a Scotch-Brite Scouring Pad with 3-in-1 oil. Continue GENTLY until the rust is gone and the area is smooth to the touch. Apply a coating of oil (3-in-1 oil for a hunting knife and Vegetable, Olive or another oil that is food safe for a kitchen knife).  

By taking good care of your High Carbon Steel Knife, it will last you a life time and maintain its beautiful, custom and unique look.