Many people highly prize steel swords and knives. For collection purposes, historically significant ones are typically preferred. They may also be very valuable. But a problem develops when people can’t care for their steel knives and swords.

The Damascus steel knife is among the most popular steel knives. Steel knives are most frequently made with this, one of the most attractive metals available. But even though it appears lovely, is it only for cosmetic purposes, or is there a way to make it last longer?

Here are a few ways to maintain your Damascus steel chef’s knife to make it lasts for years.

Clean it Promptly

You likely enjoy using your Damascus steel kitchen or hunting knife. We promote using and adoring Damascus steel since it is both aesthetically pleasing and useful. It’s critical to clean your blade immediately after usage. Rusting can result from leaving food or other organic materials on your knife. Clean the blade with mild dish soap and warm water, then quickly pat it dry with a soft cloth.

Avoid Abrasives

The most recognizable feature of a Damascus steel item is its pattern. Avoid using abrasive materials like scrubbers, towels, or chemicals that could scratch the blade’s surface. Clean the blade with a gentle sponge and mild dish soap while using a soft microfiber towel.

The best course of action is to return the blade to the manufacturer if the pattern etched on it is ever broken. Manufacturers of blades made of Damascus steel offer re-etching services for their products.

Lubricate the Blade

High carbon steel and very little chromium are typically used to create Damascus steel blades. Because of this, the blades are vulnerable to rust, and no one wants their precious blade to become tarnished. The solution is to keep the blade entirely dry, and lubrication is a key technique. Apply some high-quality wax to the blade and use a towel to buff it. It guarantees that water won’t come into contact with your blade’s metal.

Beware of Extremely Low Humidity

Extremely important is the humidity level at which you store your blade. High humidity makes the metal rust, as we’ve already discussed. However, if you keep the knife in a very dry environment, the handle may begin to splinter.

It is because wood, the material of choice for knife handles, needs humidity to remain in good shape. Avoid keeping Knives near a dehumidifier or bar, especially in a small room. Your handles will suffer from the bar sucking up all the moisture from the enclosed air. The ideal solution is to store your knives in a Ziploc bag in a dry area away from water sources like sinks or showers.

Sharpen

Even though Damascus steel is among the highest-quality metals in the world, dulling can nevertheless happen to it. Depending on your use, your Damascus steel will require frequent honing, just like any decent knife or blade. However, if you don’t have much sharpening experience, you might wish to hire a pro. Damascus steel is worth the investment now and then because it doesn’t require frequent honing.

Conclusion

As you can see, caring for Damascus steel is fairly easy if you follow these basic guidelines, and your knife will outlive you in hundreds of years.