Your cart
It seems that your cart is empty.
NEW
Welcome to Artdelalame.fr
Handmade knives made in France 🇫🇷
The start of a wonderful adventure! If this is your first visit to this site, let me explain the project in a few words.
Artdelalame is a platform where you can find handmade knives. We work with the best cutlers in France to offer you a catalogue of high-quality products with a unique history.
NEW
Stainless steel vs. carbon steel 🔪
Not sure whether to choose stainless steel or carbon steel?
Our latest blog post goes to the heart of the matter with a comprehensive comparison. Whether you're a keen cook or a demanding collector, discover the differences in sharpness, strength and maintenance between these two types of steel.
NEW
Reasons to choose a handmade knife
Why a handmade knife is so much more than just a tool.
In a world where industry dominates, artisan knives offer a valuable alternative.
How are they different from mass-produced models? This article explores the many advantages of handmade knives: superior quality, customisation, respect for tradition and authenticity. Immerse yourself in the world of the handmade knife and discover why each piece tells a unique story.
NEW
Welcome to Artdelalame.fr
Handmade knives made in France 🇫🇷
The start of a wonderful adventure! If this is your first visit to this site, let me explain the project in a few words.
Artdelalame is a platform where you can find handmade knives. We work with the best cutlers in France to offer you a catalogue of high-quality products with a unique history.
NEW
Stainless steel vs. carbon steel 🔪
Not sure whether to choose stainless steel or carbon steel?
Our latest blog post goes to the heart of the matter with a comprehensive comparison. Whether you're a keen cook or a demanding collector, discover the differences in sharpness, strength and maintenance between these two types of steel.
NEW
Reasons to choose a handmade knife
Why a handmade knife is so much more than just a tool.
In a world where industry dominates, artisan knives offer a valuable alternative.
How are they different from mass-produced models? This article explores the many advantages of handmade knives: superior quality, customisation, respect for tradition and authenticity. Immerse yourself in the world of the handmade knife and discover why each piece tells a unique story.
close
How to maintain your knife: tips from Élie and Carole
2024-12-04
1. Steel: Maintenance and Prevention
Carbon Steel: A Living Material
The knives made by Élie and Carole primarily use carbon steels. These steels, although robust and high-performing, oxidize more easily than stainless steels. Over time and with use, your blade will develop a patina that gives it a unique appearance and tells its story. This phenomenon is natural and does not affect the blade's effectiveness or the quality of the food. However, if you wish to preserve its shiny appearance, it is possible to polish the blade using pastes and polishing tools available in hardware stores.
To maintain your carbon steel blade:
• Clean it immediately after each use. Rinse it under water, but dry it quickly and carefully to prevent rust formation.
• Oil the blade regularly if it is not used frequently or if it is stored in its sheath, using a cloth lightly soaked in neutral oil.
Special Case: Carbon Damascus Steel
The recommendations are the same as for conventional carbon steel. The layers of Damascus steel require the same care to prevent corrosion and maintain the blade's beauty.
2. Wood: A Living Material
The handle of your knife is much more than just a support: it is an aesthetic and functional element that evolves over time. Wood, being a living material, can expand, contract, or change color depending on humidity and ambient conditions.
To preserve the beauty and solidity of your handle:
• Never soak the handle in water. This could cause it to swell or crack.
• Regularly nourish the wood with oil (flax, grape seed, camellia, etc.) to protect it from moisture and give it a lasting shine. Applying it several times a year is enough to keep it in excellent condition.
3. Cleaning: gestures to adopt
Cleaning is a crucial step in maintaining your knife.
To avoid any damage:
• Avoid the dishwasher at all costs: this can accelerate rust on the blade and damage the handle.
• Do not use the scraper side of a sponge: this can scratch the blade and make it more susceptible to oxidation.
• Opt for cleaning with warm water (followed by immediate drying) or oil to protect and enhance your blade.
4. Sharpening: maintaining a perfect edge
A well-maintained knife always remains sharp.
To do this:
• Sharpen your knife before it becomes too blunt. This makes the process easier and preserves the blade.
• Use whetstones, which can be used with water or oil. Automatic sharpeners or steels are discouraged, as they can damage the fine structure of the edge.
• Leather is an excellent ally: by applying a little polishing paste to a flexible leather, you can give the edge a perfect shine and space out sharpening sessions.
5. Folding knives: managing axis play
Folding knives, although practical and robust, can develop some play in the axle due to humidity variations affecting the wooden scales. If this happens, here is Élie and Carole's method:
• Place the blade on a hard support (closed vise, small anvil, or piece of steel).
• Use a ball-peen hammer or the peen of a classic hammer (pointed part).
• Peen the axle at 45° on each side to tighten the play.
In summary: the gestures to remember
• Clean the blade and handle immediately after use. Dry them carefully.
• Oil the wood and blade regularly to prevent moisture and rust.
• Sharpen carefully, preferring whetstones or leather, never dry.
• For folding knives, check the pivots and adjust them if necessary.
By following these simple but effective tips, you will enjoy a knife in perfect condition, ready to accompany you on all your culinary or outdoor adventures.