top of page

Cleaning the Knife and Sheath

 

Watch this video on keeping your carbon steel knife clean: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIHvc_Ip5Bs

 

Here are some suggestions in cleaning the knife and sheath that will make it easier to maintain the value, finish, and longevity of the knife as a weapon and tool.

 

  • Mild Soap and Water: make sure that this is the strongest cleaner you use on your knife and sheath. A half of a teaspoon of dishwashing detergent in a litre of warm (not hot) water is as strong as is necessary. You can dedicate a worn toothbrush to your knife care kit, and after thoroughly wetting the dirt and soil, the toothbrush can scrub away any debris. The toothbrush does not scratch the steel, but the soil and dirt may, so be carful here and rinse away as much as you can without scrubbing. This doesn't usually matter with satin finished or bead blasted knives, but mirror finished knives can be scratched with the quartz that is in sand. Never use a wire brush.

  • Do not use any solvents: Though it may be tempting to use brake cleaner, mineral spirits, denatured alcohol, gun solvents, or other chemical solvents, do not use them. They can attack the bonding and bedding agents of the knife handle, and pull resins, oils, and waxes from hardwoods, causing them to shrink. Don't use them on the sheaths either; if your kydex is coloured, these solvents will dissolve the colour right out of them!

  • Never use any compounds to clean the knife or sheath: It may be tempting to use rubbing compound, polishing compound, or restorative compounds, but if it has the word "compound" in the name it definitely has abrasive particles in suspension, either silicon carbide, aluminum oxide, garnet, quartz, or iron oxide. These will abrade the surface of the knife, possibly ruining the finish.

  • Never use Steel Wool or Scotch-Brite® or any abrasive pads, papers, wheels, or any surface conditioning abrasives or pads of any kind on the knife. Though they may be fine for a glass baking dish or your tailpipe, you certainly wouldn't use them on your chrome plated bumper because they will fog and scratch the surface. Same for your knife; don't use them.

 

Sharpening your Knife

 

 

 

 

© 2018 Cassidy Kustom Knives

bottom of page