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Knife maintenance is useful to ensure the full functionality of the knife and its durability over time.
How should the maintenance be done?
Many knife manufacturers and makers who have high-quality knives ensure rapid replacement (unless the product is temporarily unavailable) in many cases such as:
- manufacturing defect that undermines the functionality of the product;
- caused by a defect in the realization or the defect inherent in the material.
Many provide the guarantee that covers knives indefinitely.
Ps. The linings or other parties have a lower guarantee from the date of purchase of the first buyer.
The warranty does not cover damage from wear and oxidation, which can be avoided, even on the best stainless steels, only with careful cleaning and lubrication.
To take advantage of this guarantee you clearly need to send the defective material with the original purchase receipt attached.
If defects not caused by the user are detected, the defective part is replaced for free and the company or maker takes charge of the return shipment.
But the important thing regardless of the warranty of the product is still the care and maintenance of the knife.
Here are some basic steps for maintaining a knife:
- Regular cleaning: After each use, clean the knife thoroughly with warm water and mild soap. Use a soft sponge or brush to remove food or dirt residue. Be sure to dry the knife completely after cleaning.
- Avoid the dishwasher: Avoid putting the knife in the dishwasher, as heat and moisture can damage the blade and handle over time.
- Regular sharpening: Keep the blade sharp with regular sharpening. You can use a manual sharpening machine or a sharpening stone. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results. A well-sharpened knife is safer and cuts better.
- Lubrication: Apply a thin layer of knife oil or food-grade oil to the blade to protect it from oxidation. This is especially important if the knife is made of carbon steel, which is more susceptible to corrosion.
- Immersion in salt water: Avoid immersing the knife in salt water, as salt can cause damage to the blade and accelerate corrosion.
- Proper storage: Store the knife in a knife holder or sheath to protect the blade and to prevent accidental damage. Avoid leaving the knife exposed to moisture or direct sunlight.
- Fair use: Use the knife only for its intended purpose. Avoid bending it or dropping it on hard surfaces, as this may damage the blade.
- Periodic inspection: Check the knife regularly for signs of wear, damage or defects. If you run into problems, contact the manufacturer for repair or replacement if it is covered by the warranty.
Many manufacturers’ warranty covers manufacturing defects, but not damage due to wear or oxidation caused by lack of maintenance.
Therefore, even if you have a warranty, the care and maintenance of the knife is always crucial to ensure its longevity and optimal performance.
Knife maintenance
In case you want to make a repair, the maker usually offers the customer a service that repairs or replaces damaged parts.
The cost of the transaction will also be communicated to the customer upon receipt of the product to see if it is something technically feasible.
The re-sharpening service is for customers, free excluding shipping costs that are borne by the customer.
Most of a maker’s blades are made of the highest quality steel, with very high mechanical, cutting and oxidation resistance characteristics.
Despite this, the stainlessness of martensitical steels (from temper) does not have an absolute value but depends heavily on factors as diverse as the concentration of chromium, surface roughness, tempering modes, reagents with which they come into contact.
That’s why I suggest a few maintenance rules but that allow you to have an always efficient and functional knife that will best support you for a very long working life.
Here are some additional recommendations to keep your knife in top condition:
- Wear check: Regularly inspect the blade and handle of the knife for signs of wear, scratches or damage. Pay special attention to any loosening of the screws or pins in the handle.
- Re-sharpening: Although the re-sharpening service is free, you can learn how to sharpen the knife yourself. Learning how to use a sharpening stone or a manual sharpening machine can be useful to keep the blade always sharp between service and service.
- Fair use: Use the knife only to cut or slice food. Avoid using it for unintended purposes, such as opening boxes or cutting hard materials, as this can damage the blade.
- Thorough drying: After cleaning, dry the knife completely to avoid rust or oxidation stains.
- Safe storage: When not in use, store the knife in a safe place away from children. Use a knife holder or sheath to protect the blade and prevent accidental damage.
- Avoid acid: Avoid letting the knife come into contact with acidic foods or corrosive chemicals, as this may damage the blade.
- Periodic lubrication: Occasionally apply a thin layer of knife oil to the blade to protect it from oxidation. This is especially important if you live in an area with high humidity.
- Handle and sheath: Also keep the handle and sheath (if any) of the knife in good condition. Clean them regularly and inspect them for signs of damage.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions: Each knife may have specific maintenance needs depending on the material and design. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to maximize the durability of your knife.
With these tips, you will be able to enjoy a reliable and efficient knife for many years. Regular maintenance is key to preserving the functionality and durability of your cutting tool.
Fixed blades
All plastic parts/wood/mipaper/bone/etc. Knife: handle, kydex rigid sheath or straps are made as materials with high mechanical and chemical resistance.
Accessory metal components such as screws, buttons and springs are made of metals that are virtually immune to oxidation.
The blade is the part you’ll need to pay the most attention to.
These rules must also be observed in case the blade is protected from surface treatments, these, in fact, as long as resistant, tend to wear out with use, leaving the surface of the blade bare.
The handle, easily disassembled, will facilitate these operations.
The closeables
All plastic and metal parts excluding the blade, closing lever and cod are produced in materials virtually immune to oxidation.
The blade is the part you’ll need to pay the most attention to.
These rules must also be observed in case the blade is protected from surface treatments, these, in fact, as long as resistant, tend to wear out with use, leaving the surface of the blade bare.
It is recommended to perform cleaning and lubrication operations using tampons and brushes, without dismantling the knife.
Too many disassembles and replacements can compromise the quality of assemblies and components.
In general
The knife should be kept dry and lubricated (specific synthetic lubricants or for weapons).
In case the knife is bathed with salt water it is necessary to rinse it with fresh water, dry it and lubricate it.
Salt water is the common worst enemy of hardening steels.
In case the knife is stored for a certain period of time, in case the knife is bathed with fresh water, in case it gets dirty with water-soluble materials such as mud: it is enough to wash it with fresh water, dry it and lubricate it.
In case the knife gets dirty with fatty materials it is necessary to clean it with common household detergents, dry it and lubricate it.
Make sure that the inside of the sheath is always clean, the dirt often contains abrasive matter that in uncovering and lining could scratch the surface of the knife.
Extraordinary maintenance
In the case of wear or break one of the parts of the knife, you can replace the that part without having to replace the whole knife.
The severely worn sharpening can be re-established by the manufacturer or by a licensed professional roaster.
Parts that are particularly prone to wear can be disassembled and replaced.
The replacement of the damaged part can be carried out by any maker and with standard equipment.
Sharpening
The country reslving can be carried out with natural polished stones and deaemated platelets but it is recommended the use of quality tools and to follow these rudiments of refinement.
Choose the right grain for the type of sharpening you want to get:
- a coarse grain to remove scratching and damage on the wire,
- fine grain to restore cutting capacity.
The basic rule is to slide the blade on the relia, so that it does not touch the plate of the blade but the plate of the wire.
To get the best results and preserve the functionality of your blade, it is important to follow some fundamental principles:
1. Quality Tools: Use high quality sharpening tools. If possible, invest in natural polished stones or reliable diamond plates. These tools guarantee better results and greater durability.
2. Choice of Grain: Choose the right grain according to your sharpening needs. It uses a coarse grain to remove scratches and obvious damage on the edge of the blade. If the knife only needs a slight touch-up, opt for a fine grain to restore its cutting ability.
3. Sharpening technique: The fundamental rule is to slide the blade on the sharpener evenly and prevent it from touching the blade plate. Focus on the wire plate, the correct sharpening angle and maintain constant pressure during the process.
4. Sharpening Angle: Make sure to keep the sharpening angle appropriate for your knife. This may vary depending on the type of blade and its intended use. If you’re not sure about the angle, consult the manufacturer’s manual or search online for your specific model.
5. Patience and Practice: Resharpening takes practice. Do not rush and take the time to sharpen your blade properly. Start with slow, controlled movements until you’re familiar with the process.
6. Blade Cleaning: Before and after sharpening, be sure to clean the blade thoroughly to remove any metal debris or debris. A clean blade improves the efficiency of the sharpening process.
By following these rudiments of resharpening, you will be able to keep your blades always sharp and ready to face any challenge.
Constant practice will improve your skills and allow you to enjoy your knives for a long time.
Conclusions
The maintenance of your fixed blade knife is essential to ensure its full functionality and longevity over time.
Although many parts of the knife are made of durable materials, it is the blade that requires the most attention.
Following proper cleaning, drying, lubrication and sharpening practices is essential to preserve the blade and keep it in top condition.
Remember to regularly inspect your knife for signs of wear or corrosion and to act promptly to prevent more serious damage.
With proper maintenance, your knife will serve you faithfully for many years, becoming a valuable tool in your kitchen or in your outdoor adventures.
If you want to always have a functional and efficient knife you need that you have good care of the knife.
Often the knives of the makers end up in the drawers and windows of collectors but some enthusiasts precisely because they know the quality of a handmade knife they make the knives to make them maker to use them in different uses.
Now like any knife it needs good care and maintenance no knife excluded.
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Andrea
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