Knife Care Instructions

Steel Care

Bare High Carbon Steel: Bare steel is susceptible to rust and patina. Patina is a natural process that occurs as a result of the metal coming into contact with various substances such as oils, salts, acids, etc. These substances react with the surface of the metal causing oxidization or other reactions. This is normal and cannot be prevented with high carbon steel knives. It is particularly prevalent when the knife is used to prepare food. Patina can be reduced by cleaning the knife immediately after use and applying wax. Rust is prevented by keeping the knife dry and waxed. If it gets wet, dry it as soon as possible and apply wax. Take particular care in humid environments to keep the knife surfaced conditioned. It is not recommended that high carbon knives be used in a salt water environment. Do not put the knife in the dishwasher. If you need to clean it you can use hot soapy water and dry immediately or use acetone. If you do develop surface rust, remove it with 0000 steel wool and wax all exposed metal surfaces.

Blued/Etched: Bluing provides some protection from rust and patina however care should still be taken to keep the metal portions of the knife waxed. Periodically apply a small amount of the provided wax and spread with a finger or soft cloth. Wipe off the excess. If the knife gets wet, dry it as soon as possible and apply wax. If you develop surface rust, remove it with 0000 steel wool and wax all exposed metal. Cold blued surfaces can be touched up with Birchwood Casey Super Blue. Blend the touched up surface with 0000 steel wool. LARX KNIVES will re-blue your knife for free. See the Shipping, Returns, and Warranty page for more information. An etched finish also provides some limited protection from rust. It cannot be touched up in the same fashion as blued surface. If you develop surface rust, utilize 0000 steel wool to remove the rust and wax all exposed metal.

Cerakote: Cerakote requires little to no care. It will scratch, chip, and wear overtime. Any exposed metal can be covered with bluing which will help protect it from rust. Exposed metal should also be treated with the provided wax. If your knife requires re-coating, reach out via email at info@larxknives.com for a quote.

Handle Care

Wood: The wood used for your handle is stabilized which will help it resist wear, cracking, shrinking, warping, etc. Your handle will naturally dull and dry out over time and can be restored with a couple coats of the wax that came with your knife hand buffed into the wood with a clean cloth. Some woods cannot be stabilized due to their density and natural oils. Examples are Ironwood and Ebony. The natural density and oils give the handle similar properties to stabilized wood and the care is the same.

Synthetic - G10, Micarta, Carbon Fiber: Synthetic handle material requires little maintenance. It should not crack, warp, or react to solvents. Do not expose it to high heat sources as they can cause the resins used in the material to melt. If the handle begins to look dull, apply the wax that came with your knife to re-treat.

Sheath Care

Kydex: Kydex is a low maintenance plastic commonly used for sheaths and holsters. It can be cleaned with hot, soapy water and a sponge. If you wash your Kydex sheath, ensure the interior is completely dry before reinserting your knife. Do not expose the Kydex to a high heat source like a flame, heat gun, or the dishwasher as this can cause the material to soften and lose its definition.

Leather: Leather can dry out and crack over time so care should be taken to ensure it remains conditioned and clean. The leather portion of your sheath comes already treated with a leather conditioner. Over time or after heavy use in very cold, hot, or dry climates it will need to be retreated. It will look and feel dry and will lose the hand rubbed appearance. Apply a liberal coat of leather conditioner. The wax that came with your knife is a great leather conditioner and you can purchase more HERE.