Care and maintenance of Damascus steel
Caring for a Damascus steel blade is much the same as for a Carbon steel blade - moisture is the enemy. Once the blade has built up a patina it is much more forgiving, but a fresh Carbon steel based blade will begin to rust in a heartbeat.
To prevent rust, do not store your knife in its leather sheath, as the leather picks up moisture and can cause your blade to rust. Rather oil or wax your blade and wrap it in a soft cloth for storage. Use the sheath only when you are using or wearing the knife. Wipe off the oil or wax before preparing food.
Never, ever:
- Leave the blade resting in standing water
- Rest the blade on a damp tea towel, wash cloth, etc
- Never wash in a dishwasher, quick hand wash with warm soapy water
To help your Damascus steel knife become a heirloom, there are only a few things you need to do.
After use:
- Rinse clean under running water and wipe dry with a clean cloth
- Lightly oil using food safe oil
- Store in a dry place
While your blade is still developing a patina, it is a good idea to quickly wipe the blade down before moving on to a food preparation task not involving the knife.
Oiling
Dry immediately, don’t leave it to drain in the drying rack. Oil the knife with olive oil if it is used regularly in the kitchen.
A common mistake when oiling a blade is to use something like olive oil that will go rancid. We recommend mineral oil, as it is food safe, cheap, and readily available.
Washing
Do not wash your handmade knife in a dishwasher.
Many people new to Damascus steel knives approach washing their blades with trepidation. Cleaning your knife is straightforward: rinse it under running water, give it a wipe with a lightly soapy dish sponge, rinse it again and wipe dry. If you’re familiar with the term “Bachelor Wash” (or can decipher the connotation), this is all it takes.
IF YOU DO NOT CARE FOR YOUR KNIFE IT WILL RUST AND WE WILL NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS!