Essential Care Tips for Your Custom Knife

In our workshop, we see it all. The seasoned hunter who needs a tool as tough as their adventures. The passionate chef who wants a blade that feels like an extension of their hand. The new collector mesmerized by the pattern of Damascus steel.

When people talk about a high-performance knife, where does the conversation usually go?

You've invested in a quality blade, whether it's a trusty hunting knife for the bush or a beautiful chef's knife for the kitchen, and you want it to last. A knife is more than just a tool; it's a piece of craftsmanship, and a little bit of care goes a long way. Let's talk about some of the most common mistakes I see people make and how to avoid them, keeping your blade sharp and pristine for years to come.

One of the most important parts of owning a good blade: keeping it sharp! There's a common saying that a dull knife is more dangerous than a sharp one, and it's absolutely true. A sharp blade bites exactly where you want it to, while a dull one can slip, causing a nasty accident. So, let's dive into the world of razor-sharp edges and how to achieve them.

One of the most overlooked aspects of knife care is storage. It's not just about keeping your knives out of sight. It's about protecting the blade, the edge, and the handle from damage. In New Zealand's varied climate, from the humid north to the frosty south, proper storage is especially crucial.

There's nothing quite like a carbon-steel blade. The way it holds an edge, the patina that develops over time—it's a tool with a soul. But with that beauty comes a responsibility: keeping the rust at bay. Here at Big Zulu Knives, we're all about high-performance tools, and that means taking care of them. Let's talk about the two golden rules for rust prevention: bone-dry storage and oiling.

Whether it's a trusty filleting knife you've taken on every trip to the Coromandel or the beautiful chef's knife that's been in your kitchen since you started experimenting with new recipes, each one has a story. And like any good story, a knife needs a bit of care to last.