Damascus steel blades are manufactured using an ancient technology of welding and forging multiple layers of alloys with different carbon content and other alloying components. The result is a unique knife with an original pattern on the blade and excellent cutting characteristics. This material is highly regarded by professional chefs and fishermen for its strength, moderate flexibility, and extremely long life. Such knives do not need to be sharpened for months or years. It is inherited. Cutting properties are many times higher than other types of composites. But it is possible as long as you take care of the Damascus knives set. Only in this way will you be able to preserve the functional properties and beautiful appearance of this knife.
How to Care for a Damascus Knife
The main enemy of this device is moisture. The fact is that the composition of the alloy consists of steel with high carbon content. It provides unparalleled hardness and edge resistance but also reacts with oxygen and liquids. Because of this, wear spots may appear on the blade surface. High-quality blades have stainless steel liners, but they also require careful maintenance.
Here’s how to care for a Damascus steel knife:
Wash the knife
After use, wash the knife by hand and disinfect the entire body (including the handle and joints where dirt may accumulate). Washing dishes or soaking the blade in water for long periods of time is not acceptable. It is recommended to wash and dry the knife immediately without leaving it in the sink.
Attack the steel
2. It is unacceptable that alkali and acid attack the steel, which can cause irreparable stains and scratches. It is worth choosing a mild dishwashing detergent and a soft sponge.
The blade is Completely Dry
After the blade is completely dry, it is recommended to lubricate it with mineral oil or grease, especially if it is expected to be stored for a long time. The composition of the oil should be applied in a minimum amount, otherwise, such processing will lead to the opposite effect – corrosion may appear on the surface.
Special Holder
Please keep the blade away from other equipment, the blade must not come in contact with anything. The best option is stored in a special holder or on a magnetic mount on the wall. For long-term storage, it is worth wrapping the blade in paper and putting it in a dry place.
Damascus knife
If you rarely use a Damascus knife, check for wear spots and lubricate it periodically.
Aggressive conditions
When used in aggressive conditions (hiking, hunting), it is recommended to treat the surface with a special anti-corrosion lubricant.
Sharpened on water stones
The knife should be sharply sharpened on water stones of suitable grain size or with the help of a special sharpener.
If you plan to carry a Damascus knife in a sheath, you should not choose a leather product. Leather coatings usually contain chemicals that can adversely affect the condition of high carbon blades. The best option for the covering material, in this case, is a dense canvas, a canvas, for example.
What not to do with a Damascus steel knife?
Despite its great resistance and moderate flexibility, this knife requires careful handling like any professional tool. In particular, the following are not recommended:
- Used for solids, bones, and freezing;
- cutting very hard surfaces (glass, metal, ceramics);
- used for other purposes, such as opening nuts or cans;
- Bend the paper a lot;
- Store in high humidity conditions.
If there is light rust or wear spots on the blade, they should be removed. To do this, you can rub the blade with a fine water stone or a special polishing tool. After removing the clothing, rub the blade with mineral oil and clean it with a rag or paper towel. Hunting and household knives (not in contact with food) can be rubbed with sandpaper and kerosene.
Damascus steel knife maintenance may seem daunting, but in fact, these recommendations can work with any blade material. A professional tool requires careful handling and compliance with the rules of storage and use. Only in this case, the knife will be as long as possible without losing its cutting properties.
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