Thank you for choosing a hand-forged knife from Gratefulknives. With the right care, your knife can last a lifetime—and even be passed on to the next generation. Follow the steps below to keep it performing and looking its best.

1. Clean Your Knife with Care

After each use, wash your knife by hand using warm water and a mild dish soap. Use a dish brush or a non-abrasive sponge to protect the hand-polished finish.

Never place your knife in the dishwasher. The heat, moisture, and salt will damage both the blade and the handle.

Once clean, dry your knife immediately with a soft cloth. Never leave it wet or soaking in water.

2. Use It on the Right Surfaces

To keep your edge sharp, always use your knife on wooden or high-quality plastic/rubber cutting boards—like those from Hasegawa.

Avoid cutting on bamboo, as it dulls the blade quickly. Also steer clear of oak boards, since their high tannin content accelerates corrosion.

Never use your knife on hard surfaces like glass, ceramic, or stone, and don’t use it for cutting bones or frozen foods—unless the knife was designed for that purpose.

When in doubt, ask yourself: Would you chew it? If not, don’t cut it. For example, avoid cutting chocolate with laser-thin blades—it tends to snap sideways and may chip the edge.

3. Maintain and Oil the Blade

Over time, your carbon steel knife will develop a patina—a natural, protective layer that varies in color depending on your use and the steel type.

If you notice brown or orange rust, that’s a sign the blade stayed wet too long. You can gently remove minor rust with a Japanese rust eraser, which preserves the finish.

Even stainless steel can rust under the right conditions, so make drying a habit.

To protect the blade, apply a thin layer of food-safe oil—such as camellia or grapeseed oil—on a regular basis.

4. Take Care of the Handle

Most of our handles are stabilized and require minimal upkeep. Still, you can refresh their appearance occasionally with linseed or another natural oil.

Avoid soaking the handle unless absolutely necessary. Even stabilized wood can slightly expand or shrink—it’s a natural material.

If your knife features Mammoth Ivory, keep it away from high heat. It’s a delicate material that needs gentle care.

5. Keep the Edge Sharp

Regular stropping on a leather strop helps realign the edge and keeps your knife razor-sharp between sharpenings. You can use polishing or diamond paste for an even finer result.

When it’s time for a full sharpening, we recommend Japanese wet stones. They deliver the best edge while preserving the integrity of the steel.

Want help with this? Gratefulknives offers lifetime maintenance, including sharpening, cleaning, and refinishing (note: service is not free). You’re always welcome to send your knife back for expert care.

6. Store It Safely

Store your knife in a dry, secure place. A magnetic strip, a wooden rack, or a dedicated knife stand works perfectly.

Never toss your knife in a drawer. It’s dangerous for both the edge and your fingers.

Need Help or Have Questions?

We’re here for you. Whether you’re unsure how to remove a spot of rust, curious about proper stropping technique, or just want to show off your knife—feel free to reach out.

A well-maintained knife doesn’t just perform better—it adds joy and elegance to your kitchen.

With gratitude,
Gratefulknives