Damascus Knife Care 101: Keep Your Steel Sharp

# Damascus Knife Care 101: Keep Your Steel Sharp A Damascus blade isn't just a tool—it's a piece of craftsmanship. Every layer of folded steel tells a story. And if you treat it right, it'll tell stories for decades. ## Why Damascus Needs Different Care Regular stainless steel can survive neglect. Damascus can't. The carbon steel that creates those beautiful patterns is reactive—it'll stain, pit, and dull if you treat it like your kitchen knives. The payoff? Damascus holds an edge longer and sharper than most production steel. You just have to respect it. ## The Rules (They're Simple) ### 1. Hand Wash Only Never put a Damascus knife in the dishwasher. The heat, the detergent, the aggressive spray—it's asking for trouble. Wash by hand in warm water with mild soap. Dry it *immediately* with a soft cloth. Moisture is the enemy. ### 2. Oil It (Yes, Really) After every few uses, wipe the blade with a drop of food-grade mineral oil or camellia oil. This prevents oxidation and keeps the patina from developing black spots. Don't drench it. One small drop, wiped evenly along the blade. ### 3. Hone Before You Sharpen Damascus edges get dull, not because they're bad, but because the steel is soft enough to roll (not chip). A steel honing rod realigns the edge and extends the time between sharpenings. Hone at a 15-degree angle, 5 strokes per side, once a week if you use it daily. ### 4. Use The Right Cutting Board Wood or bamboo. Plastic works. *Never* glass or marble. Glass will destroy any edge, Damascus or not. And Damascus deserves better. ### 5. Sharpen Rarely (2-3 Times Per Year) Most Damascus knives never need serious sharpening if you hone regularly. When you do sharpen, use a whetstone (1000-6000 grit) or take it to a professional. The angle matters. Stick to 15 degrees for most Damascus blades. ## The Patina Question Here's where Damascus gets personality: over time, if you let it, the blade will develop a dark patina. Some people hate this. Some people love it. If you want to keep the blade looking fresh, oil it regularly and dry immediately. If you like the aged look, ease up on the oil and let it patina naturally. Either way, it's still sharp. It's still beautiful. ## The Truth A Damascus knife isn't higher-maintenance because we're trying to sell you on it. It's higher-maintenance because good tools *are* worth maintaining. You don't leave your car parked in the rain and expect it to run. Same logic. Take care of it. It'll take care of you. --- *Grab a Damascus blade at clevisbarnwells.com. Then keep it sharp.*