High end pocket and fixed blade knives are a precious, valuable tool and fine artistry to many of us. Like all items of value, they must be maintained and cared for to perform their best and last a lifetime.   

 

THE FUNDAMENTALS:

• Keep your knife dry 

• Keep your knife clean; especially moving parts and locking device.

• Keep your knife oiled; especially pivot points and Damascus

• Keep your knife sharp; A sharp blade is safer than a dull one.

Do not attempt self-repair. This voids the warranty and may create an unsafe condition.

 

CLEANING:

After use, it is good practice to clean and dry your knife (the entire knife, not just the blade). Folding knives should be kept clean of debris, particularly the locking and pivot area. Keep all sand and grit out of the knife.

Do not use water or harsh solvents to clean your knife. They can damage the oils in the woods and materials used to stabilize the exotic handle materials. It is best to use low-pressure compressed air (shop air or canned air used for computer keyboards etc.)

If you do experience rust or corrosion on your knife, we recommend polishing the affected surfaces with Flitz brand polish to remove any oxidization, then a thorough rubdown with an oil-moistened cloth.

 

LUBRICATION AND OILING:

Modern Damascus steel is a very high quality material, but all metals (even stainless) will corrode over time. Most Higgins & Peak Knives use high-carbon Damascus steel. This material is tough, holds a superior cutting edge and is easy to sharpen; however, the high-carbon content is more susceptible to corrosion than some other blade materials. Keep knifes as dry as possible and oil regularly.

 

Occasionally oil the pivot of our pocket knives with a few drops of oil. This will assure easier opening and closing, prevent rust and lessen wear. Wipe the blades often with an oiled cloth to prevent rust- especially in damp or ocean climates. If your knife should get wet, dry and oil it at first opportunity. If your knife comes into contact with salt water or harsh substances, you should rinse it immediately with tap water, dry it and apply a coat of oil to all Damascus surfaces.

 

Any household grade lubricating oil will suffice. 3 in 1 or gun oil is also an excellent choice.

 

SHARPENING:

Knife sharpening is quite possibly the most difficult knife care task, especially without the proper equipment or experience.

Higgins & Peak will provide the following services at no charge for our knives. We recommend that you utilize these services to keep your knife sharp, beautiful and in top condition.

 

Folding knives: "tune-up" includes clean, tune and sharpening at no charge other than shipping.
Fixed blades: Sharpening at no cost other than shipping. A "tune-up" includes sharpening and polishing. 

 

Knife sharpening is a topic of much debate. There are many effective philosophies, methods and devices that can be used for sharpening a knife.  We have provided some direction in the links below. 

 

 

 

 

OTHER TIPS:

Do not store knives in their sheaths. The leather collects moisture and creates pits on the blade.

 

Do not use the blade as a can opener, chisel, pry bar, screwdriver or for any work for which a knife was not designed. Also, don't use the back of your knife as a hammer. It may break the blade, handles or pin. This will void the warranty and most likely damage the knife.

Handles made of wood can be occasionally rubbed with furniture polish or oil. Brass can be polished with household brass polish.

 

If you have any questions about the care or handling of your high end pocket or fixed blade knife please, contact us.