Care and Maintenance of Damascus Knives

Damascus knives are strong and resilient but require proper care to maintain their performance and distinctive layered pattern.

Cleaning

Clean after every use with warm water and mild soap. Never use abrasive scrubbers or put the knife in a dishwasher. Dry immediately and thoroughly after washing — leaving the blade wet accelerates rust and damages the Damascus pattern.

Oiling

Apply food-grade mineral oil to the blade regularly. A quick wipe with an oiled cloth after every use is the best habit to develop. This is the single most important step in preserving the Damascus pattern long-term.

Sharpening

Use a quality whetstone at the correct bevel angle for your knife. A leather strop maintains the edge between full sharpenings. For further reading see the artistry of Damascus steel and visit our Damascus Steel Care page for complete instructions.