Damascus steel

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HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR DAMASCUS STEEL KNIFE?

The historical reputation of premium quality metal, intricate, water-streaked design, durability, exceptional hardness, and ability to maintain a sharp edge, are some remarkable features which make the Damascus steel knife a pride for the owners.

Like any other blade, the Damascus steel blade requires good maintenance and the presence of detailed etchings doubles the need for special care. The key to ensuring a long-lasting blade is to keep it dry to avoid rust. If you want to know the ways to care for a Damascus steel knife, this is what you were looking for. 

Tips to Care for Your Damascus Steel Knife

To keep your Damascus knife in good working condition, follow the tips below:

Protect from abrasive material

The first thing to maintain the beauty of your Damascus blade is to protect it from abrasives like steel wool, metal polishes and rough cloths. It’s because abrasives or metal cleaners remove the etched oxidation that is the distinguishing feature of your Damascus steel knife. Also, never rub the blade roughly. Always use cotton cloth or other soft-textured material to dry the blade. Preventing acids or alkalis exposure is also important.  

Always wash the knife by hand

Washing Damascus knives in the dishwasher can be detrimental to the quality of both the blade and the handle. Exposure to strong detergents in a dishwasher tablet, contact with other hard objects in the dishwasher, and the vigorous washing cycle can not only damage the edge of the knife but will result in dull handles and rust on blades. Hence, it is advised to always wash the knife manually.  

Oil it regularly

Damascus blades are mostly made up of high carbon steel because of their fine cutting properties, hardness and ability to prevent premature dulling. However, they can easily get damaged by moisture. Therefore, after washing and drying the knife, oil it with a thin layer of wax or mineral oil. This practice will protect the blade from rust and discolouration. You can also use paraffin oil, coconut oil or castor oil but avoid heavy applications. 

Remove rust

If you are noticing areas of rust or corrosion on the knife, it’s time to remove them to avoid further damage. This can be done by using sandpaper moistened with mineral oil. A fine-grained water stone is also a good option. A common household technique is the application of baking soda (mixed with water) as it is considered an effective rust remover.

Keep the cutting edge sharp

If used properly, Damascus knives can maintain their cutting edge for years. However, if the knife is no more giving a quality cut and you have to put additional effort to slice or chop the product, this means that the blade has lost its former sharpness, and needs to be honed or sharpened.

If you have a pocket knife, sharpen it often. The best method for sharpening Damascus steel knives is by using a whetstone. Power-operated sharpeners are often not recommended because you don’t get the precision that can be achieved by hand-sharpening the blade.   

Make mindful use of Damascus Steel Knife

Use Damascus knives only for the purpose they are designed for. They should not be used for cutting acidic foods (lemon, limes, grapefruits, etc.), opening cans or for chopping frozen meats or bones. Also, avoid using them in a humid climate or fields. They should only be used for chopping, slicing or cutting soft-textured and non-acidic/non-alkaline foods like fish, poultry and vegetables. 

Store it properly

Damascus steel knives should not be placed in the drawer along with other cutlery as they can cause minor nicks and dents and sometimes lead to premature dulling of the blades. After use, wash, clean and dry the knife properly, lubricate it and store it in a dry, moisture-free environment. Zipper storage bags or boxes are useful options.

Never store the knife in leather sheaths. Leather is tanned with acids and chemicals. Prolonged contact between knife and leather can lead to oxidation.

Final Thoughts

A Damascus knife is a perfect combination of artistic appeal and top-class performance. The only thing it demands is proper care. Moisture and abrasives are the enemy of your knife. By following the above-mentioned care tips, you can keep your Damascus steel knife in good working condition for years.