At AG Cutlery, we believe that a great knife deserves great care. Whether you own a premium Damascus kitchen knife, a hunting blade, or a collectible sword, proper handling and maintenance will keep your blade performing beautifully for a lifetime. Please read this guide carefully before using your knife.

1. Knife Safety — General Rules

Knives are precision tools and must always be handled with respect and care. Follow these fundamental safety rules at all times:

• ⚠️ Always cut away from your body — never pull the blade toward yourself
• ⚠️ Keep fingers clear of the blade path — use proper grip techniques at all times
• ⚠️ Never use a knife as a pry tool or screwdriver — this can damage the blade and cause injury
• ⚠️ Never run with a knife — always walk carefully when carrying a blade
• ⚠️ Pass a knife handle-first — always hand a knife to someone with the handle facing them
• ⚠️ Keep knives out of reach of children — store all blades safely and securely
• ⚠️ Never leave a knife unattended on a surface — always sheath or store it when not in use
• ⚠️ Use the right knife for the right job — do not use a hunting knife for kitchen tasks or vice versa
• ⚠️ A sharp knife is safer than a dull one — dull blades require more force and are more likely to slip

2. Proper Knife Grip

Using the correct grip improves control, reduces fatigue, and minimizes the risk of accidents:

Pinch Grip (Recommended for Kitchen Knives):
Pinch the blade between your thumb and the side of your index finger, just above the bolster. Wrap the remaining fingers around the handle. This gives maximum control and balance.

Handle Grip (For Heavy-Duty Tasks):
Wrap all four fingers and thumb firmly around the handle. Use this grip for chopping, splitting, or tasks requiring more force.

Point Grip (For Precision Work):
Hold the handle lightly with your fingertips for delicate cutting tasks like peeling or filleting.

3. Kitchen Knife Safety

For those using our kitchen knife sets and chef knives, please follow these additional guidelines:

• Always use a stable cutting board — place a damp cloth underneath to prevent slipping
• Use wood or plastic cutting boards only — avoid glass, ceramic, or metal surfaces that damage blade edges
• Curl your fingers inward (the "bear claw" technique) when holding food to protect fingertips
• Never put Damascus or high-carbon steel knives in the dishwasher — always hand wash
• Dry your knife immediately after washing to prevent rust and corrosion
• Do not soak knives in water — prolonged moisture damages both blade and handle
• Store kitchen knives on a magnetic knife strip, knife block, or with blade guards

4. Hunting & Outdoor Knife Safety

For hunting knives, skinning knives, and outdoor blades:

• Always carry your knife in its sheath when not in use
• Keep the sheath secured and in good condition — replace worn or damaged sheaths immediately
• When field dressing game, cut away from yourself and use slow, controlled strokes
• Clean and dry your blade thoroughly after contact with blood, moisture, or dirt
• Apply a thin coat of oil after cleaning to protect the blade in outdoor conditions
• Check local laws regarding carrying fixed blade knives in your area

5. Damascus Steel — Special Care Instructions

Our Damascus steel blades are crafted from high-carbon steel layers and require specific care to maintain their stunning patterns and performance:

🔴 What to Avoid:

• Never put Damascus knives in the dishwasher — harsh detergents and heat will damage the blade and cause rust
• Avoid prolonged contact with acidic foods (citrus, tomatoes, onions) — rinse immediately after use
• Do not leave your blade wet — always dry immediately after washing
• Avoid storing in leather sheaths long-term — leather retains moisture and can cause corrosion
• Do not use steel wool or abrasive scrubbers — they will scratch the Damascus pattern

✅ Recommended Care Routine:

• After each use: Wipe the blade clean with a soft damp cloth, then dry thoroughly with a clean dry cloth
• Monthly: Apply a thin coat of food-safe mineral oil or camellia oil to the blade to prevent oxidation
• Seasonally: Apply beeswax or blade wax for extra protection, especially in humid climates
• Store in a dry environment with good air circulation

6. Sharpening Your Knife

A well-maintained edge makes your knife safer and more effective. Here's how to keep your blades sharp:

Recommended Sharpening Tools:

• ✅ Whetstone (Water Stone): Best for Damascus and high-carbon steel — use 1000 grit for sharpening, 3000-6000 grit for polishing
• ✅ Honing Rod (Ceramic or Steel): Use before each cutting session to maintain the edge alignment
• ✅ Leather Strop: Use after sharpening to refine and polish the edge to a razor finish
• ❌ Avoid electric sharpeners — they remove too much metal and can damage Damascus patterns
• ❌ Avoid pull-through sharpeners — not suitable for high-quality handcrafted blades

Basic Whetstone Technique:

1. Soak the whetstone in water for 5-10 minutes
2. Hold the knife at a 15-20 degree angle against the stone
3. Push the blade forward across the stone in smooth, even strokes
4. Alternate sides evenly — approximately 10 strokes per side
5. Finish with a leather strop to polish the edge
6. Rinse and dry the blade after sharpening

7. Knife Storage

Proper storage protects your blade, maintains its edge, and prevents accidents:

• ✅ Magnetic knife strip — keeps blades accessible and edge-safe
• ✅ Knife block — insert blade spine-first to protect the edge
• ✅ Individual blade guards or sheaths — ideal for travel or drawer storage
• ✅ Display case — for collectible Damascus knives and swords
• ❌ Avoid loose drawers without blade guards — blades become dull and dangerous
• ❌ Do not store in leather sheaths long-term — leather holds moisture
• Store in a cool, dry place away from humidity and direct sunlight

8. Handle Care

AG Cutlery knives feature premium handle materials including wood, bone, horn, and resin. Care for your handle as follows:

Wood Handles:

• Apply food-safe mineral oil or beeswax every few months to prevent drying and cracking
• Keep away from prolonged water exposure — do not soak
• Do not expose to extreme heat or direct sunlight for long periods

Bone & Horn Handles:

• Wipe clean with a slightly damp cloth — do not submerge in water
• Apply a small amount of mineral oil occasionally to maintain luster
• Avoid harsh chemicals or bleach

Resin / Micarta Handles:

• Easy to maintain — wipe clean with a damp cloth
• Resistant to moisture but avoid prolonged soaking
• Can be lightly sanded if scratched, then wiped with mineral oil

9. Sword & Axe Care

For our handcrafted swords, axes, and large bladed pieces:

• Apply a light coat of gun oil, camellia oil, or mineral oil to the entire blade after handling — fingerprints cause rust
• Store swords horizontally or on a proper display stand — avoid vertical storage for long periods
• Axes should be stored with the blade covered or embedded in a wood block
• Inspect the handle/haft regularly for cracks, looseness, or damage before use
• For decorative pieces — dust regularly and reapply oil every 3-6 months

10. Rust Prevention & Removal

Prevention:

• Always dry blades completely after washing or exposure to moisture
• Apply a thin coat of oil regularly — especially in humid environments
• Store in a dry location with good air circulation

Light Rust Removal:

• Apply a small amount of mineral oil to the affected area
• Gently rub with a fine cork, soft cloth, or rust eraser
• Rinse, dry, and re-oil the blade
• For stubborn rust, use 0000-grade steel wool with oil — use very lightly to avoid scratching Damascus patterns

Note: Surface rust (patina) on Damascus steel is normal and does not affect performance. It can be removed or left to develop naturally as part of the blade's character.

11. Legal Disclaimer

All AG Cutlery knives, swords, and bladed tools are sold as tools and collectibles for lawful purposes only. By purchasing from AG Cutlery, you confirm that:

• You are of legal age to purchase bladed tools in your jurisdiction
• You will use the product in compliance with all local, state, and federal laws
• You accept full responsibility for the safe handling, storage, and use of the product

AG Cutlery is not responsible for injury, damage, or legal issues arising from improper use, storage, or carrying of our products.

12. Need Help or Have Questions?

Our team is happy to assist with any questions about knife care, sharpening, or maintenance:

AG Cutlery LLC
554 Cedar Street, Unit 206
Newington, CT 06111
United States

Phone: (424) 667-4664
Email: info@agcutlery.com
Response Time: Within 24-48 hours

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A well-cared-for knife is a lifelong companion. Treat your AG Cutlery blade with the respect it deserves and it will serve you for generations.