How to Care
How to
Get Rust Off of Your Knife
If your beloved knife is starting to show signs of rust, don’t worry. With household items like vinegar, baking soda, lemons, and potatoes, you can restore its pristine condition and craftsmanship. But first, let’s understand why knives rust.
Rust, the brown-orange hue of iron oxide, occurs when metals like steel interact with acidic substances, such as water. While knives with rust blemishes are generally safe for use, excessive accumulation can compromise their integrity and food safety.
Here are some tried-and-true methods to remove rust stains from your knife using everyday kitchen ingredients:
- Vinegar Method: Submerge the blade in white vinegar for 15-30 minutes (or overnight for severe rust), then gently scrub with a soft sponge. Wash the knife with soap and water and dry thoroughly.
- Baking Soda Method: Create a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the rust spots, and let it sit for at least an hour. Scrub away the rust stains with a soft sponge, rinse thoroughly, and dry.
- Lemon Juice Method: Cover rust spots with salt, squeeze lemon juice over it, and let it sit for about two hours. Scrub the knife with lemon rind and a soft sponge, then rinse and dry thoroughly.
- Potato Method: Slice a potato in half, coat one half with dish soap, and sprinkle salt or baking soda on top. Rub the rust spots with the potato, rinse well, and dry thoroughly.
With these simple techniques, you can effectively banish rust and revitalize your cherished knife’s appearance, ensuring it remains a reliable tool in your kitchen for years to come.
How to
Sharpen Your Knife The Right Way
Owning a sharp knife isn’t just about convenience; it's a safety essential. Beyond ease of use, a sharp knife maintains food integrity and reduces the risk of accidents. That's because a knife is at its best when it’s sharpest. To keep your knives performing at their best, you’ll want to use a whetstone or a knife sharpener once every few months to ensure they’re sharp, in addition to using a honing steel every week or so to maintain the shape of the blade.
- Whetstone Sharpening: Submerge the stone in water or oil before use. Place it flat on a surface. Then, using the coarse side for dull knives and the fine side for maintenance, slide the knife across at a 20-degree angle. Repeat on both sides until satisfied.
- Knife Sharpener Usage: Check for a clean trap, then secure the sharpener on a flat surface. Use the coarse side for dull blades, then switch to the fine side for touch-ups. Pull the knife through four to five times in each slot until sharpness is achieved.
- Honing Steel Technique: Hold the steel vertically on a stable surface. With the knife at a 20-degree angle, draw it down the steel, ensuring full contact. Repeat on both sides for optimal maintenance.
Regular honing keeps knives in top shape, while occasional whetstone sharpening maintains their longevity. Knife sharpeners offer quick fixes but may shorten knife lifespan if used excessively. By following these techniques, you’ll ensure your knives are always in prime condition, making every task safer and more enjoyable.
How to
Clean Your Knife Properly and Safely
Maintaining the cleanliness and functionality of your heirloom-quality knives is crucial for both safety and performance. Here’s how to clean them effectively and safely:
- Initial Rinse: Start by running the knife under warm water. Rinse the blade after each use to prevent dried-on residue.
- Soaking: For stubborn residue, a brief soak in shallow water can help loosen it. Avoid prolonged soaking to prevent rusting or handle damage.
- Hand Washing: Apply mild dish soap to the blade and gently scrub it with a wet sponge or cloth. Take your time and work carefully to avoid accidents. Rinse thoroughly.
- Drying: Wipe the knife dry with a clean towel, ensuring no water remains on the blade or handle. Air dry completely before storage to prevent rust or warping.
Avoid Dishwashers: Never clean high-quality knives in the dishwasher, as it can dull the blade and damage the handle.
Cleaning Folding Knives:
- Before wetting, use a toothpick to remove any debris from the handle.
- Use a wet toothbrush for scrubbing instead of a sponge or cloth.
- Clean multi-tools one tool at a time and use cotton swabs for tight spots.
- Do not disassemble the knife, as it may void the warranty.
- Thoroughly air dry before lubricating the blade and moving parts with a food-safe lubricant.
By following these steps, you’ll ensure your knives remain clean, sharp, and safe for years to come.
How to
Store Your Knives
You don’t want to leave your beautifully crafted knife just sitting around. Proper storage is key for both performance and safety. You want to avoid prolonged exposure to sun and salt air. While your knife is designed for use outdoors, it’s best not to leave it on the dock or the patio for days on end.
For optimal preservation and longevity, store your knife outside of the leather sheath provided — it’s designed specifically to absorb and contract moisture that can cause pitting in any steel over time.
Drawer or case storage is a safe and easy solution for storage at home, especially if you have pets and children. But keeping knives in the drawers doesn’t mean that you should throw them anywhere in the empty space. It can cause the risk of damaging or dulling the blade. Make sure to place drawer inserts that are designed to store knives. This way, each blade has its own space and will stay sharper longer.
For culinary knives, a knife block or holder is a great way to store a set of knives in a confined space and in a convenient position. Knives stored in countertop blocks or holders can be easily inserted or removed without causing any damage to the blade.
