(0)
Getting into the world of knives can be tricky! Everyone makes mistakes, its just part of life. But hopefully we can help you avoid some of the more common mistakes every knife newbie seems to make.
- Using it as a pry bar.
There are little things that will destroy your knife faster than using it as a pry bar. While a knife is designed to take a little pressure, it is not necessarily designed for prying. This will most definitely bend your knife, leading to a weak point in the blade, which will eventually lead to a break. Avoid all of this stress by using your knife appropriately. If you are going to be using your knife for prying regularly, I highly suggest doing your research into what knife metal is strongest, and can hold up to that kind of use, or…you know, just get a pry bar….
- Not Cleaning Your Knife Regularly.
A knife is a tool, and as such it must be accurately maintained and cleaned to keep it in top form. If you were to be using something like a table saw regularly each day, you would need to clean it, otherwise it would begin to perform poorly, and eventually become dangerous to use. A knife is no different. Cleaning and maintaining your knife is pivotal in the longevity of the knife.
- Not sharpening your knife.
Much like cleaning your knife, sharpening is just as important. A dull knife can actually become rather dangerous to use. The duller the knife is, the more pressure you have to assert to use it. Putting the extra pressure on the knife can cause it bend, or even break. A properly sharpened knife will work better, and in the long run, last longer.
- Buying from an unreliable seller.
Whenever someone does something better, eventually, cheap imitations come along and try to get a piece of the success. Knives are no different. There are tons of cheap imitations and knock off knives out there pretending to be the real deal. Some of these imitations can be really well done, even to an experienced eye, but they are imitations none the less. Buying a knife from an unreliable seller can often lead to purchasing a cheap imitation. Always purchase from a reliable seller, so that you know you are getting exactly what you are paying for. Don’t get swindled.
- Letting Rust Happen.
Rust can be a tricky little thing to take care of, but if left unmanaged it can completely destroy an otherwise great knife. It will usually start small, but continue to grow and grow if unmaintained. Many people are discouraged by rust, assuming that once it starts there is no affordable way to stop it, but that is definitely not the case. There are plenty of home remedies including lemons, baking soda, and even potatoes. A little bit of rust does not need to be a death sentence for your knife. If you deal with it quickly and accurately you can keep your knife rust free for years to come.
These are just a few helpful tips for anyone just jumping into the knife game. There are countless different ways to care for, and maintain the handiest tool you’ll ever have. Follow these rules and you will be well on your way to caring for a knife you will be using for years to come.
Have any helpful tips or tricks you would like to add? Or maybe you have a question you need answered? Feel free to let us know in the comments, we would be happy to help!
please do a article on best way to clean knives .
Another helpful tip would be to advise automatic knife owners to store their knives with the blade open, to prevent weakening of the spring. I had purchased and, improperly, stored several autos before I became aware of this information.