If you want to keep your knives in good working order, it’s important to keep them clean and store them properly when not in use. Here are some tips for cleaning and storing your knives.
Extra-Deep Cleaning (not necessary for every knife)
First, you’ll want to get the excess dirt and debris off the surface and out of the inner workings of your knife. An old toothbrush works great for this. Start by using the brush or even a toothpick to probe out all of the excess lint and debris from each moving part of your knife. When it’s reasonably debris-free, run the entire knife under warm water and use a mild soap and the toothbrush to scrub the entire knife thoroughly. Make sure you clean every blade and tool separately and thoroughly. Cotton swabs might help you get into the tricky spots more easily.
When you’re sure you’ve got the knife clean, rinse it thoroughly in warm water and dry it with a towel and then set it aside to let it fully air dry.
If you’ve completed this deep clean and your knife is dry, you want to lube it up in all of the moving parts. Mineral oil, knife oil, or gun oil works well, but don’t go overboard. You just want to dab the oil into the moving parts, and then wipe off any excess oil with a tissue or paper towel.
Blade Cleaning/Polishing
When cleaning your knife blades, you want to use an all-cotton or chamois cloth, as these will not damage your blade. Once you have a cloth, apply a small amount of Simichrome (Super Premium Polishing Paste works well), rubbing it on and wiping it off. This process creates a protective layer on your blade. Avoid using Vaseline because it allows moisture to seep beneath its coat, which can cause rust.
Safe Storage
If you’re like me, you carry different knives for different occasions or jobs, and many of your knives end up sitting idle, especially those collectibles you want to keep in pristine working order. Knives are best stored in a clean, dry, moderate climate (not too hot and not too cold). A Knife Roll or sock is the best way to go for storing multiple knives, or you could try a felt-lined box or collector’s case.
Sack Ups 6-Knife Roll with Silicone Treatment
