Care & Maintenance
Our knives are designed to be used extensively over a long period.However, even the finest tools require regular maintenance and care. Here, we’ll guide you through the steps to ensure your knife remains in optimal condition.”
Our knives are subjected to various challenges, from encounters with water to being soiled with blood after successful hunts. They fearlessly endure the rigors of food preparation, bravely tackling every task nature throws their way. While we have full confidence in their resilience, it’s essential to give them the care and attention they deserve. After all, they are meant to serve us faithfully for many years, maintaining their original luster, durability, and functionality.
Our Damascus Steel Blades are meticulously crafted from high and low carbon steel, resulting in unparalleled strength and beauty. However, due to their composition, they are susceptible to rust if not cared for properly. Here’s how you can ensure your blade stays pristine:
1. Proper Lubrication:
After each use, clean and thoroughly dry your blade. Then, apply a thin layer of mineral oil to the surface to prevent rust and maintain its exquisite etched finish.
2. Adequate Storage:
When not in use, store your Damascus Steel knife in a dry interior environment to prevent exposure to extreme moisture or temperature changes. Avoid prolonged storage in wet environments, and refrain from keeping the knife in a leather sheath for extended periods. The acids and chemicals used in tanning leather can accelerate oxidation over time, especially in normal moisture conditions.
3. Keep It Dry:
Ensure the entire knife remains dry at all times. Avoid using dehumidifiers, particularly when storing knives with natural handle materials such as wood, camel bone, buffalo horn, rams horn, or stag horn. Extremely low humidity can cause cracking or separation in natural handle materials. Synthetic handle materials like micarta and densified wood are unaffected by humidity.
By following these guidelines, you’ll prolong the lifespan of your Damascus Steel blade and preserve its unique allure.
At North Craftsmen, we pride ourselves on crafting knives that not only excel in performance but also highlight the natural beauty of wood. Here’s how we ensure the longevity and aesthetics of your knife’s handle:
Linseed Oil Treatment: The handles of North Craftsmen knives undergo meticulous treatment with linseed oil, offering numerous benefits:
Enhanced Aesthetics: The application of linseed oil brings out the inherent beauty of the wood, accentuating its unique grain patterns and hues.
Protection and Durability: Beyond aesthetics, linseed oil serves as a protective shield for the handle, guarding against dryness-induced cracks and providing resilience against the damaging effects of humidity.
By treating our handles with linseed oil, we are dedicated to delivering knives that not only enchant with their visual appeal but also withstand the demands of use, ensuring your satisfaction for years to come
To keep your leather sheath in top shape, follow these easy tips:
- Regular Maintenance: Apply leather wax or natural oil occasionally:
- Gently coat the sheath with the chosen lubricant.
- Let it dry before reinserting your knife.
- Embrace Natural Patina: If you like a weathered look, use your sheath often. It’ll develop a unique patina over time.
- Guard Against Dirt: Keep dirt out to avoid scratching your knife blade.
- Drying Wet Sheaths: If it gets wet, remove your knife and let it air dry at room temperature.
- Maintain Tension: If the sheath loosens, insert a small piece of leather as a wedge.
Our leather goods are crafted from cowhide sourced from a local tannery, employing time-tested methods and techniques that have been in use for over 100 years.
With these tips, your leather sheath will stay functional and attractive, protecting your knife for years to come.