KNIFE CARE 101

Custom knife maker, Philip Siddell, shares his advice on the best ways to care for your knife collection

- Philip Siddell

As a knife maker, I have a recurring nightmare. In it, I’m working away happily in my cosy little workshop when the phone rings – it’s a customer calling to tell me something is wrong with the knife they commissioned. They explain that they popped it in the dishwasher for a quick clean and it’s come out in pieces. The awful truth is that this is more than just a bad dream for me. I once made a wonderful chef’s knife as a wedding gift for some dear friends who proceeded to cleanse the handle scales off the tang with a hot cycle in their trusty Zanussi. Whilst the incident obviously strained our friendship, it is understandable; we’re all used to cheap knives that are designed to last a year or two and be disposed of in favour of newer, shinier models. This causes problems for those who’re making the step up to buying a good quality knife for hunting. In the interests of my own sanity and to help you protect your investment, I’d like to share some advice with you that’ll help you keep your blades in tip-top condition.

SAFE CLEANING