Care and Maintenance

Custom Knife Care

At GreBec Knives & More, we craft each knife to last for generations. Your custom knife, made from high carbon steel, is built for performance but requires simple care to maintain its beauty and sharpness. Follow these high carbon steel knife care tips to keep your knife in top condition, whether you’re using it in the garden, kitchen, or outdoors. You can watch our video on YouTube, Clean and Wax a Custom Blade!

Your knife arrives coated with food-grade protective wax, which wears off over time. To protect a high carbon steel blade and ensure longevity, follow these steps after each use or at least weekly.

• Clean Thoroughly: Wash the blade with mild soap and water using a clean, non-abrasive cloth. Hold the knife by the handle and avoid soaking it in water. Once the blade is clean, carefully hold the blade (cutting edge away) and gently wash the handle with the same cloth.
• Dry Immediately: Use a clean, dry, non-abrasive cloth (e.g., a dish towel or microfiber cloth) to dry the blade and handle completely to prevent rust.
• Apply Protective Coating: Apply a thin layer of food-safe wax or oil to the blade, especially if used for food preparation. Wipe off excess—only a light coating is needed. We recommend food-safe mineral oil or knife wax for best results.
• Maintain the Handle: Apply a suitable wax or oil to the handle, depending on its material and use (see below for wood handle care).

Over time, your custom blade will develop a natural patina—a protective layer that enhances rust resistance without affecting performance. This unique look evolves with use, especially when cutting acidic foods like onions or lemons. While some accelerate patina formation with mustard or acidic washes, we recommend letting it develop naturally through regular use and proper care for a personalized finish. Proper custom knife care ensures your blade stays functional and beautiful for years.

Your knife’s handle, whether stabilized wood (like Florida Pecan) or natural wood (like Kingwood), adds beauty and grip. Follow these guidelines to keep it durable and vibrant.

Stabilized wood, like all of our Florida Series knives and most Commercial wood knives, is treated for durability and moisture resistance. To maintain it:

• Clean gently with a damp cloth and mild soap
• Apply a light coat of food-safe mineral oil or beeswax conditioner monthly, or when the wood looks dry. Wipe off excess and polish with a soft cloth
• Avoid soaking the handle in water to preserve its finish

Natural, unstabilized wood handles, such as Kingwood, require extra care to prevent drying or cracking. At GreBec Knives & More, we apply at least three coats of wood-preserving oil (e.g., Tung Oil or Danish Oil) before sale. To maintain your natural wood handle:

• Clean Gently: Wipe with a damp cloth or use a recommended cleaner like Howard Butcher Block Cleaner or Murphy Oil Soap. Never submerge the handle in water
• Apply Conditioner: Apply a mineral oil and beeswax product (e.g., Howard Butcher Block Conditioner). Let it soak for at least 5 minutes.
• Check for Absorption: If dry spots appear after 5 minutes, reapply the conditioner and let it soak again.
• Polish: Once the wood stops absorbing, wipe dry and polish with a soft cloth.
• Repeat: Perform these steps weekly for daily-use knives, monthly for occasional use, or whenever the wood looks dry.

Note: If a natural wood handle is accidentally submerged, dry it immediately. If discoloration or dry spots appear, follow the steps above to restore it. With proper care, your natural wood handle will last a lifetime.

For blade care, use food-safe mineral oil or knife wax. For handles, we suggest:

• Cleaning: Howard Butcher Block Cleaner, Murphy Oil Soap
• Conditioning: Howard Butcher Block Conditioner, Tung Oil, Danish Oil, or similar wood-preserving oils Always choose products suitable for your knife’s use, especially for food prep.
• Wax: Wisemen Trading Axe Wax

Ready to add another GreBec knife to your collection? Browse our Shop for blades and handles built to last.