Knife care is serious business.

A specialty product like a handcrafted knife means you will need to give it a little extra TLC, but if you use the points below as a guide your knife will serve you well for many, many years.

Keep in mind that some of my knives are made using high carbon steel, meaning that they can corrode and rust if not properly taken care of. After using your knife you should:

• Wash the blade with warm soapy water.

• Wipe down the blade with a dry towel. Do not let the knife sit in water.

• Wipe down the blade with a food safe oil before storage.

• Hunting knives should not be returned to their sheath until they have been properly cleaned.

• DO NOT PUT YOUR KNIFE IN THE DISHWASHER - Heat, steam and detergent can all cause significant damage to the knife materials and potentially destroy the epoxy holding the blade and handle together.

A carbon steel knife will inevitably patina, developing a colourful contrast across the blade. This patina helps prevent corrosion or rust and adds a unique character to each knife, as pictured here.

Sharpening Your Blade

When a knife’s edge beings to roll over and become dull from use, realign the edge with a ceramic honing rod and then strop with a leather strop and polishing compound. The edge will also last longer when used on a soft wood cutting board rather than a plastic or synthetic board. Pull through knife sharpeners are a sure way to destroy a knife. My knives take a lot of time to make, take your time to sharpen them properly.