How to Care for Your Handmade Knife: Essential Cleaning, Sharpening, and Storing Tips for Long-Lasting Performance

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On August 27, 2021

A handmade knife is a work of art and a highly functional tool, designed for precision, durability, and beauty. Whether you own a handmade chef knife, a custom knife set, a hand-forged axe, or a Damascus steel sword, proper care is essential to maintain its performance and appearance. By following the right cleaning, sharpening, and storing techniques, you ensure that your handmade knife remains in peak condition for years to come. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the best practices for caring for your custom-made knives, whether they’re designed for culinary purposes or outdoor use.

1. Cleaning Your Handmade Knife

The first and most important aspect of caring for your handmade knife is cleaning. Knives, especially custom knives or Damascus chef knives, can accumulate dirt, food particles, or moisture over time. If not cleaned properly, this can lead to rust, tarnishing, or degradation of the blade.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide

Wash the Blade Immediately After Use: The best time to clean your knife is immediately after use. Whether you’ve used it to chop vegetables, slice meat, or clear brush with a handmade axe, it's important to remove any residue before it can cause damage. For chef knives, rinse off any food particles promptly, especially if you’ve been working with acidic foods like tomatoes or citrus, which can corrode the blade.
Use Warm Water and Mild Soap: Avoid harsh cleaning agents or abrasive scrubbing pads, as these can scratch the surface or affect the integrity of the blade. Instead, use warm water and a gentle dish soap. For Damascus knives, especially, be cautious of anything too abrasive, as it can affect the patterned steel.
Dry Thoroughly with a Soft Cloth: Once cleaned, dry the knife immediately with a soft cloth to avoid water spots and prevent rusting. Moisture left on the blade can cause oxidation, especially on high-carbon steel blades, which are often found in hand-forged knives.
Clean the Handle: Many custom knives have handles made of wood, leather, or other delicate materials. To clean the handle, use a slightly damp cloth and gently wipe it down. Avoid soaking it in water, as this can cause wood handles to warp or leather handles to degrade. If the handle is made of natural wood, it may also benefit from periodic oiling to maintain its lustrous finish.
Avoid the Dishwasher: While it may seem convenient, placing your handmade knife in the dishwasher is a big mistake. Dishwashers expose knives to high heat and harsh detergents, which can damage the blade and handle. Always opt for manual cleaning to extend the life of your custom chef knife set.

2. Sharpening Your Handmade Knife

Even the best handmade kitchen knives will dull over time. Proper sharpening is crucial for maintaining the cutting performance of your knife, particularly for Damascus steel knives, which require a delicate touch due to their layered construction. Regular sharpening ensures that your blade remains sharp and efficient, making food preparation or outdoor tasks much easier.

How to Sharpen Your Handmade Knife

Understand Your Knife’s Edge: Handmade knives can have various edge angles, typically between 15° and 25°, depending on the manufacturer and intended use. A chef knife set will usually have a finer edge, while outdoor axes or swords may have a more robust angle for durability. Always check the manufacturer's guidelines before sharpening.
Choose the Right Sharpening Tool: There are several ways to sharpen a knife. Here are some common options:
- Whetstones: One of the most common methods for sharpening hand-forged knives or Damascus steel chef knives is using a whetstone. Begin with a coarse grit to remove any nicks or dents, followed by a finer grit to refine the edge.
- Sharpening Rods or Sticks: These are ideal for maintaining the edge between more thorough sharpening sessions. Simply use the rod at a consistent angle, sliding the blade gently down its length.
- Honing Steel: Honing is different from sharpening in that it realigns the edge rather than removing metal. Professional chefs often use honing steel to keep their kitchen knives sharp and ready for action.
Sharpening Technique: Whether you’re sharpening a handmade axe or a Damascus sword, it’s essential to maintain a consistent angle to achieve an even edge. Hold the blade at the manufacturer-recommended angle and carefully drag it along the sharpening surface, alternating sides with each pass. Always apply light pressure to avoid removing too much material.
Test the Sharpness: After sharpening, test the knife by slicing through paper or a tomato. A well-sharpened blade should slice effortlessly through these items without any hesitation.

When to Sharpen Your Knife

While handmade knives are built to last, regular use will eventually cause them to dull. How often you sharpen your knife depends on the type of knife and frequency of use. A high-quality chef knife set used daily may need sharpening every few months, while a custom axe or Damascus sword used less frequently might only require sharpening annually.

3. Storing Your Handmade Knife

Proper storage is vital for ensuring your handmade knives, whether they are chef knives, axes, or swords, retain their sharpness and stay free from damage. A poorly stored knife can become dull, rusted, or even dangerous. Proper storage also prevents accidents by keeping the blade safely tucked away when not in use.

Best Storage Practices for Handmade Knives

Use a Knife Block or Magnetic Strip: For kitchen knives, a knife block is a fantastic option. It keeps your custom chef knife set organized, safe, and easily accessible. Ensure that the block has slots for each individual knife, keeping their edges protected from contact with each other. Alternatively, a magnetic knife strip can also be an excellent option, provided you place the knives gently against the magnet to avoid dulling the edge.
Protective Sheaths for Outdoor Knives: For handmade axes, throwing knives, and Damascus swords, protective sheaths are essential. These sheaths can be made of leather, plastic, or metal and will keep the blade safe from moisture, dust, and accidental contact with other surfaces. Leather sheaths are particularly popular for their aesthetic appeal and durability.
Store in a Dry Environment: Whether you have a handmade chef knife or a Damascus steel sword, storing your knives in a dry environment is crucial to preventing rust. Avoid storing them in damp areas like kitchens with high humidity or garages. If you’re storing your hand-forged axe or knife collection for long periods, consider using silica gel packets in the storage area to absorb moisture.
Avoid Storing Knives Loose in Drawers: Storing your knives loosely in a drawer increases the likelihood of blade dulling or even injury. It’s far better to use a protective case, sheath, or drawer insert designed to hold the knives securely in place.
Use a Knife Roll for Travel: For chefs or collectors who frequently transport their custom knives, a knife roll is an excellent choice. Made from durable materials like canvas or leather, a knife roll allows you to safely transport multiple knives without worrying about damage during travel.

4. Additional Tips for Maintaining Your Handmade Knives

Avoid Using Your Knife on Hard Surfaces: While your handmade knife may be tough, using it on hard surfaces like granite or glass can dull the edge prematurely. Always use a wooden or plastic cutting board.
Oil the Blade Occasionally: Especially for high-carbon steel knives and axes, it’s a good idea to oil the blade occasionally. Use a light food-safe oil like mineral oil for kitchen knives, and a heavier oil for outdoor knives to prevent rust.
Never Use a Knife for Non-Cutting Tasks: Using your knife as a pry bar, screwdriver, or hammer can cause irreparable damage to the blade or handle.

Conclusion

Caring for your handmade knife, whether it’s a chef knife set, custom-made axe, or Damascus sword, is essential for preserving its beauty, functionality, and longevity. By following the proper cleaning, sharpening, and storage techniques, you can ensure that your knife continues to perform at its best for years. Remember, a hand-forged knife is more than just a tool—it’s an investment in quality and craftsmanship. Take the time to care for it properly, and it will reward you with exceptional performance in the kitchen, outdoors, or as part of your collection.