Pointers to give customers for general blade maintenance?

[groy87]

What pointers do you give to customers for blade/handle maintenance? I am shipping several knives and sheaths to family members and would like to give them some pointers for general maintenance.

Thanks,
Garrett

 

[whitty]

What kind of knives are you shipping?

 

[Petunia D. Feeble]

It's not a crowbar or a screwdriver. It's only meant to cut things. Possibly chop soft material, depending on the knife.

Clean and dry it off before putting it back in the sheath.

 

[The cow]

Oil the blade monthly and after use, I use camellia oil. Sharpen as you see fit. Don't store knives in leather sheaths. For leather, use Obenauf's LP.

 

[DeAdEyE956]

If they can't sharpen a knife I would tell them how to go about ensuring the edge lasts longer. Example don't cut cardboard if you don't have to, don't saw meat on a dinner plate, don't use the tip as a screwdriver, and depending on steel be careful using it on citrus and other foods that can rust a blade. Don't get crazy with the oil, to much attracts dirt and debris.

 

[Franciscomv]

Unless they are really interested in knives as a hobby, I'd keep it simple. Just some brief notes about storage (light coat of pretty much any mineral oil, keep them out of the sheath if they are made out of leather, etc), tell them to use a soft surface to cut on (cutting board or something like that) and basic sharpening (there are lots of good pictures on-line you can use). Also, include a little strop, it costs next to nothing and does wonders to keep an edge sharp while being easier to master than a sharpening stone.

I used to sell knives at a store and most people wouldn't read anything longer than a page. Those who were interested in learning more would ask, order books or look for tutorials on-line. So my advice is to keep it simple, if people want more information they'll ask.

 

[brownshoe]

If the knives are your product, that is you made them, then I'd give them full instructions. Look at the ones on the Buck site they are a good starting point. If you didn't make the knives, I'd send them what the manufacturer says about how to care for them.

 

[Grandmaster]

Use food safe lubricants, you never know when you're gonna cut some food, I use EDCi Spray on
Use quality tools on your knives, Wiha is a great example