Knife Care

Knife Care & Maintenance Guide – Banff Cutlery

At Banff Cutlery, we craft premium handmade knives, including hunting knives, Damascus steel knives, bushcraft knives, EDC blades, and kitchen knives. Proper care and maintenance will ensure your knives remain sharp, durable, and reliable for years to come.

Follow this guide to get the best performance and longevity from your Banff Cutlery knives.

1. Cleaning Your Knife

  • After every use, wash your knife with warm water and mild soap.

  • Avoid harsh detergents, bleach, or abrasive sponges.

  • Dry immediately with a soft cloth to prevent moisture from damaging the blade or handle.

Never put a Banff Cutlery knife in the dishwasher – high heat and detergents can ruin the blade and handle.

2. Sharpening Your Knife

  • Keep your knife razor-sharp using a whetstone, honing rod, or professional sharpening service.

  • For Damascus steel and high-carbon blades, sharpen at the correct angle (typically 20° per side) for optimal performance.

  • Regular sharpening ensures safer, precise cutting and extends blade life.

3. Oiling and Rust Prevention

  • Apply a thin layer of mineral oil or knife-specific oil to the blade, especially on carbon steel knives.

  • This prevents rust, corrosion, and oxidation, particularly if the knife is exposed to moisture or acidic foods.

  • Store knives in a dry environment with low humidity.

4. Proper Storage

  • Store knives in a leather sheath, knife block, magnetic strip, or protective case.

  • Avoid storing knives loosely in drawers where the blade can be damaged.

  • Ensure the knife is clean and dry before storing to maintain blade integrity and handle condition.

5. Handling & Safety

  • Always use your knife for its intended purpose. Hunting knives for outdoor tasks, kitchen knives for food prep, and EDC knives for everyday cutting.

  • Keep knives away from children and never use a damaged blade.

  • Proper handling increases safety and extends the lifespan of your knife.

6. Special Care for Damascus Steel Knives

  • Damascus steel blades require extra attention due to their layered structure.

  • Clean immediately after use, dry thoroughly, and lightly oil the blade to preserve the unique patterns and prevent corrosion.

  • Avoid cutting highly acidic or extremely hard materials frequently to maintain edge sharpness.

7. When to Seek Professional Maintenance

  • If your knife is heavily damaged, chipped, or bent, seek professional knife repair or sharpening.

  • Banff Cutlery knives can be serviced by certified knife professionals to restore peak performance.

8. Contact Banff Cutlery

If you have questions about knife care, sharpening, or maintenance, contact our team:

Banff Cutlery
Email: info@banffcutlery.com

We are committed to helping you maximize the performance and lifespan of your premium knives.