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Knife Care and Repair

Cleaning
Rule number one of knife care and repair is to clean and dry your knife every time you use it. That includes both the handle and the blade. Modern knife blades are more resistant to corrosion, but long-term neglect can still lead to oxidization and rust.

Use knife cleaning products in lieu of solvents and harsh detergents. Stainless steel blades should be washed with warm water. With carbon steel knife blades, use warm water and baking soda.

If rust does appear on your knife, scrub it with alcohol and a steel wool pad.

Care
Regular preventative knife care will help you avoid the problems that can necessitate knife repair. Don't wash your knife in a dishwasher or leave it sitting in water for a prolonged period.

Pay equal attention to caring for your knife handle and blade. Knife handles made from wood, brass, bone, ivory, etc. should be treated with appropriate, material-specific products. If yours is a folding knife, avoid letting the blade slap back harshly into the handle as this can dull the blade or even damage the handle.

Lubrication should be a regular part of your knife care routine. Each time you finish cleaning your knife, rub it with an oil-moistened cloth. Make sure to wipe away any excess oil.

Storage
Many cutlery knives and utility knives come with their own storage device. This might be a sheath or a knife block. Short-term storage of this kind will protect the knife from exposure to the elements.

Should long-term storage of your knife be necessary, you may wish to look for storage options that are non-acidic or pH neutral. Clean your knife before putting it in long-term storage. Wear gloves during this process, and when the knife is clean, oil it and wrap it in a soft cloth. Do not store knives in areas that are humid or unusually warm.

Repair
Unless you're a wilderness survival expert or serious knife aficionado, we advise against do-it-yourself knife repair. Safety is only part of the reason. If your knife is under a warranty, you should be able to get the manufacturer to repair your knife at little to no charge. Avoid knife repair problems by only purchasing knives with generous, long-term warranties and adopting a routine of consistent cleaning and preventative knife care.