Knife Care

Every Patterson Forge knife is made with intention. It's ground thin for performance and balanced by hand, and it's built to be part of your daily routine in the kitchen. With a little care, it'll last you decades.

Using Your Knife

  • Use it on a wood or softer plastic cutting board.
  • Never use glass, stone, granite or a plate. Those will dull or chip the edge fast.
  • Don't twist, pry, or cut bone or frozen food.
  • Let the edge do the work. Use a push or pull stroke, not force.

Cleaning

  • Hand wash with warm water and mild soap.
  • Dry it right away. Never leave the blade or handle wet or soaking.
  • Keep it out of the dishwasher. Heat and detergent will damage the handle and the edge.

Carbon Steel Knives

  • Acidic foods like citrus, tomatoes and onions react fastest with carbon steel, so don't let them sit on the blade for long.
  • Carbon steel will build a patina as you use it. Gray, blue or brown is patina, and that's normal. It helps protect the blade. Orange or red is rust, so take care of it right away.
  • Wipe it dry and put on a light coat of food-safe mineral oil or camellia oil.

Stainless Steel Knives

  • Stainless resists rust, but it still needs care.
  • Clean and dry it after each use.

Sharpening & Maintenance

  • Patterson Forge knives are ground thin, so treat the edge with care.
  • Sharpen on a whetstone. Avoid pull-through or electric sharpeners.
  • Keep the edge up with a ceramic honing rod.
  • Hone lightly every few uses. Most home cooks only need a real sharpening once or twice a year.
  • Free sharpening: mail your knife to Patterson Forge and cover shipping both ways, and it'll be sharpened for free. If you'd rather stay local, take it to a professional who knows fine kitchen knives.

Storage

  • Store it in a wooden saya, on a magnetic strip, or in an upright in-drawer organizer.
  • Avoid loose drawers. Knocking around with other utensils will chip and dull the edge.

If you have any questions about caring for your knife, feel free to reach out.

A Final Word

A Patterson Forge knife is more than a tool. It's a reflection of time, care and craft. Treat it well, and it'll return the favor daily.

— Rich, Patterson Forge