Here you will find all of the information needed to best look after your new knife…

Carbon Steel

My personal favourite, high carbon steel holds an extremely sharp edge, is easy to sharpen and tells a story of use through its ever changing patina. It does however need a bit of looking after…

‘Break in period’- During the first month (or so) of use the blade will be more reactive (liable to stain) to the acids found in food. Try to avoid leaving food juices on the blade for any length of time, use a tea towel to wipe it off or give it a quick wash and dry immediately. After this period your knife will have developed a protective patina enabling you to be a little more relaxed with its use.

Washing - NEVER put your knife in a dishwasher!

Hand wash in clean soapy water using a soft sponge or cloth and dry immediately. If you leave your knife wet it rusts and if you use a scouring pad or similar it will scratch the surface finish.

Stainless Steel

Some people don’t like the high maintenance knife life, this short section is for you…

Your blade won’t react with food juices nor will it easily rust. Washing is the same as above. But having the knife wet for a period of time when camping or similar wont hurt it.

Maintenance

Using a food safe oil or wax (I use a product called Axe Wax) on the blade and handle will keep it protected and looking its best, this is more important on carbon steel blades and natural wood handles (especially if used outside).

Sharpening - Your knife will arrive extremely sharp, I recommend using a leather strop or a very high quality (fine) ceramic honing rod to maintain the edge, this will greatly increase the time in-between sharpening.

When it does need sharpening I recommend using wet stones, a 1k stone is a good place to start. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself you can return it to me or send it to a professional sharpener.

A few don’ts

Don’t even put your knife near a dishwasher. Don’t let it even see the dishwasher

Don’t use your knife on a glass or stone board as this will severely damage the edge

Don’t use your knife for something its not intended for

Don’t (try your best) cut yourself or anyone else

Don’t put your knife in the dishwasher ;)

Thank you for purchasing a knife from Black Sky Blade Co.