A hand-forged blade lasts a lifetime with a few minutes of care. Here is how to keep the steel, the handle and the sheath in good shape.
After every use
- Wipe the blade clean. For food or game, wash with warm soapy water; never put a knife in the dishwasher.
- Dry it completely, including the pivot area on folding knives.
- Wipe a thin coat of mineral oil or a knife oil on the blade. Hammered finishes hold moisture in the dimples, so oil those well.
Folding knives
Every few months, add a drop of light oil to the pivot and open and close the blade a few times. If grit gets in, rinse the joint with warm water, dry it fully and oil it again.
Sharpening
Use a whetstone or a guided sharpener and hold a consistent angle of about 20 degrees per side. Work from coarse to fine grit, then strop on leather. Hammered blades sharpen like any other; only the edge bevel is ground.
Handles
| Buffalo horn | Wipe clean, keep out of standing water and heat, rub in a little mineral oil now and then. |
|---|---|
| Resin | Wipe with a damp cloth. Resin does not swell or crack with humidity. |
| Rosewood | Wipe with linseed or furniture oil once or twice a year to keep the wood from drying out. |
Leather sheaths, beads and feathers
Leather holds moisture, so never store a damp blade in its sheath, and keep knives out of the sheath for long-term storage. Condition the leather once or twice a year. Keep beads and feathers dry and dust them with a soft brush.
Storage
Store in a dry place, away from children, with a light coat of oil on the steel. In humid rooms, check display pieces and tomahawk heads every few weeks for spotting.