How to Care for a Hand-Forged Blade

Hand-forged high-carbon steel is more reactive than the stamped stainless most people grew up using, which means it needs a short routine to stay in good condition — but that routine takes seconds, not minutes.

Wash by hand, dry immediately. Never let a carbon or Damascus blade air-dry or sit in a sink; moisture left on the steel is what causes spotting and, eventually, pitting. A quick wipe with a cloth straight after washing is all it takes.

Oil the blade if it won't be used for a while. A thin coat of mineral or camellia oil on the blade before storage protects it through humidity changes and prevents the fine surface rust that can otherwise dull a Damascus pattern's contrast.

Sharpen on a whetstone, not a pull-through sharpener. Pull-through sharpeners remove far more steel than necessary and can chip a fine Damascus edge. A whetstone, used at a consistent angle, will keep the edge geometry the smith originally ground into the blade.