Just thought I would put info on my blog where people can access it easily.
How to care for your new toy..err I mean Knife:
Short Answer
If you can season a cast iron skillet, you can take care of this knife. After use all you have to do is make sure it is dry. Clean it like normal, then dry it with a towel. Thats all. Put a little cooking oil on it if you leave on vacation. I will say it again, make sure it is dry.
Long Answer
This blade is made from high carbon steel. It is NOT Stainless steel. It will rust if you leave it wet. It will not rust if you GET it wet. It will only rust if you LEAVE it wet. It will over time gain a patina that will be unique to your blade. This is normal. The blade will gain a darker color over time, especially if you cut alot of acidic foods(i.e. tomatoes, or citrus). The patina is an extra layer of black oxide that will stay between your knife and the elements. Love your patina, it will help to protect against rust and corrosion, and it will make your knife truly yours. Oh yeah, make sure you dry the knife after you use it.
OH NO I LEFT THE KNIFE OUTSIDE IN THE RAIN FOR THREE WEEKS AND ITS ALL RUST AND ITS RUINED!!
Short answer
Nope.
Long Answer
Get some fine steel wool, get some oil, rub it. Steel is strong, it takes a long time for rust to really do damage. A little red dusting is not going to harm anything. It would take immersion in salt water for a week to really hurt the blade, and even then all is not lost. Depending on how bad the rust is you may need a little elbow grease, but if you have developed a good patina the rust will be on the surface and should come off pretty easy. If you have any problems or you just cant get the rust off, bring it to me, and I will clean it.
Damascus!
Your Damascus steel blades will require the same care as the regular steel blades I make. Which is to say, keep them dry, clean after use, and hit them with some food safe oil before you put them away. Use the least aggressive sponge or cloth you have to clean the blade. You can also use a product called Renaissance Wax This will help protect the etching that displays the pattern on your blades.
The steel will want to patina over time, that patina may discolor the original etching. You are welcome to bring your blade to me for clean up and re-etching at any time. All you need to do is pay the shipping. If you’ve got the stones to do it yourself, here is how….. P.S. It’s super easy.
Make some extremely strong instant coffee, then make it stronger. Go ahead and use the whole container.
Wrap the handle of your blade in plastic wrap and a little tape.
Clean the blade with soap and water, avoid touching it with your bare hands. The oil on your nasty ass fingers will effect the etching.
Submerge the blade in the coffee, don’t get the handle in the coffee. Check the blade every 15 minutes, until you like how it looks.
Wash it with soap and water again.
Done!!