Knife Care Information

Welcome!

Welcome to the realm of craftsmanship and precision. Each of our handmade knives is a reflection of dedication, skill, and passion. As you embark on this journey with your new blade, understanding its care and maintenance ensures not only its longevity but also guarantees a continued performance. Dive into the following guidelines tailored to various knife types and equip yourself with the knowledge to cherish and use your knife to its fullest potential.


General Care and Usage for All Knives:

  • Avoiding the Dishwasher: Never place your knife in the dishwasher, as the intense heat and harsh detergents can damage the blade and handle.

  • Avoiding Cutting Bones or Frozen Foods: While our knives are crafted with durability in mind, it's best to avoid cutting through bones or attempting to chop frozen foods to prevent unnecessary strain on the blade.

  • Tools and Their Misadventures: A knife might seem versatile, but let's get real – it's not your kitchen's Swiss Army knife. Treating it like a makeshift crowbar, screwdriver, or even a miniature hammer? Well, let's just say that's a surefire recipe for a brokenhearted blade. Keep your knife slicing, dicing, and doing what it does best, and it'll thank you with years of loyal service!

  • Cleaning: All knives should be hand washed with mild soap and soft sponge. Dry thoroughly before storing. Hocker Knives recommends wax and cleaner from WickedWax https://dipreteforge.com/shop/, but any beeswax or mineral oil will work to protect your blade and handle.

  • Storage: Store your knife in a cool, dry place - avoiding rubbing or storing with other tools or utensils.

  • Sharpening Smarts: In the world of knives, there's little more disappointing than a blade that's lost its edge. Always maintain that sharp angle your knife was born with. If you're scratching your head over sharpening or just want a fresh edge (and yes, it's on the house!), reach out to us. We're here to ensure your knife stays sharp and ready for action!

  • Handle Care: Keep your wood or sythetic handle clean and dry.

High-Carbon Monosteel Knives

Unlock the enduring potential of your high-carbon monosteel knife with proper care. These knives are a testament to simplicity and strength. When maintained with diligence, and safeguarded against the elements by keeping them clean and dry, your monosteel knife becomes a reliable companion, offering precision and performance in every culinary endeavor. Here are some additional notes:

  • After cleaning and drying your knife, we recommend applying a thin coat of wax or oil to protect the blade from spotting or rusting. We recommend the WickedWax product referenced above, but any mineral oil, beeswax, or similar product will work to protect your knife. Be sure if you are using your knife for food preparation or processing to use a food safe wax or oil.

Folding Knives

Embrace the versatility and elegance of your folding knife, a marvel of modern design combined with timeless utility. Folding knives seamlessly blend convenience with craftsmanship, offering a compact solution without compromising on performance. By treating these knives with care, ensuring they're kept clean and periodically oiled, you guarantee their smooth operation and longevity.

  • When new, every folding knife has a break-in period. During the first few uses ensure to keep the pivot points well oiled and clean. Basic mineral oil, or most general lubricants will work for this purpose.

  • To clean the pivot point of your folding knife, you can expose it to running water or use an air compressor to blow out any debris. Ensure you apply oil to this joint after cleaning.

  • After cleaning and drying your knife, we recommend applying a thin coat of wax or oil to protect the blade from spotting or rusting. We recommend the WickedWax product referenced above, but any mineral oil, beeswax, or similar product will work to protect your knife. Be sure if you are using your knife for food preparation or processing to use a food safe wax or oil.

Damascus Steel Knives

Dive into the intricate beauty and unparalleled craftsmanship of your damascus or patterned steel knife. Each layer tells a story of artistry and dedication. By nurturing these knives with care and ensuring they remain clean and dry, you preserve not just their stunning aesthetics but also their sharpness and durability. Let your damascus blade shine, reflecting both its rich heritage and impeccable functionality.

  • The contrast in your damascus pattern will fade with hard use over time, however, regular maintenance will keep that pattern looking great! Avoid scrubbing the blade with an abbrasive or corse sponge when cleaning.

  • If your pattern does start to fade, please contact us to renew your blade.

  • After cleaning and drying your knife, we recommend applying a thin coat of wax or oil to protect the blade from spotting or rusting. We recommend the WickedWax product referenced above, but any mineral oil, beeswax, or similar product will work to protect your knife. Be sure if you are using your knife for food preparation or processing to use a food safe wax or oil.

Sheaths

Beyond being a mere accessory, a well-crafted sheath serves as a guardian, shielding your blade from wear and external elements. By maintaining its cleanliness and periodically treating it with care products, your sheath not only enhances the knife's longevity but also adds an extra layer of sophistication to your collection.

Leather Sheath Maintenance:

  • Cleaning: Use a damp cloth to gently wipe away dirt or debris from the surface of the leather. Avoid using harsh chemicals or excessive water.

  • Conditioning: Periodically apply a leather conditioner to keep the sheath supple and prevent it from drying out or cracking. This also helps maintain its rich color and texture.

  • Drying: If the sheath becomes wet, allow it to air dry naturally away from direct heat sources. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or prolonged sunlight.

  • Storage: Store leather sheaths in a cool, dry place. Avoid compressing them or stacking heavy items on top to prevent deformation.

  • Avoiding Moisture: Keep leather sheaths away from prolonged exposure to moisture or humidity, as this can lead to mold growth or damage the leather.

Kydex Sheath Maintenance:

  • Cleaning: Wipe the sheath with a soft cloth or sponge dipped in mild soapy water to remove any dirt or residues. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly. Your Kydex sheath likely has a small opening in the bottom, this is intended to allow debris from the interior of the sheath to be rinse or blown out.

  • Break-in Period: When new, your Kydex style sheath be a little tight, over time it will break-in, allowing for smoother operation.

  • Avoiding Chemicals: While kydex is resistant to many chemicals, it's best to avoid prolonged exposure to harsh solvents or chemicals that could potentially degrade its surface.

  • Storage: Store kydex sheaths in a location where they won't be crushed or bent. While they are resilient, excessive force can cause deformation or damage over time.