How to take care of a Floris Postmes knife
A handmade knife with the materials I’ve used for it requires good care. With good care your knife will stay beautiful and sharp for a long time. Here you will find a few points of attention and tips to keep your knife in a good condition.
This knife is made out of high carbon steel. High carbon steel can rust in comparison to any stainless steel. We can make a difference between two types of rust:
Patina, a blue, gold or yellow -ish discoloration on your knife. The patina will develop when you cut food with natural acids in them such as tomatoes or lemons. This patina will protect your knife from nasty rust;
Red rust, the well known form of rust. This one is harmful for the knife and doesn’t look good. By keeping the patina you will protect your knife from developing red rust (although you can remove the patina using 2000 grit sandpaper, you will need to dry and oil the blade more often now). Directly after use you should dry the knife with a clean dry towel, some natural mineral oil helps to protect the knife as well. If you received a sheath/saya with your knife it is important to keep the inside of it dry and clean, putting a knife in a moist sheath/saya can cause problems as well.
The big benefit of high carbon steel is that it will stay sharp longer and it is easier to maintain its edge yourself (with Japanese stones for example).
The knife will be delivered sharp, to keeps its edge you can strop on a leather strop (with buffing compound if you want). Don’t use a steel sharpening rod.
The knife will be delivered with a light coating of industrial oil such as WD40. Wash and dry good before use, apply natural mineral oil for protection.
Never put your knife in a dishwasher.
When your knife has a natural material handle (such as wood) it is of extra importance to avoid too much water being in contact with your handle for too long. Even stabilized wood can suck up some water which cause warping, shrinking or expanding. You can take care of the handle by applying any oil (linseed oil for example) to it every once in a while.
Never use a cutting board made out of material which is harder than the knife blade material (glass, stone). This way your knife will stay sharp for longer.
As long as you follow these points your knife will stay useful, sharp and beautiful for a long time.