If you’ve spent any time cooking outdoors—or even just prepping a good steak at home—you already know your knife is more than a tool. It’s your right hand. Your go-to. The thing that makes magic happen with every slice, chop, and sizzle.
But like any good sidekick, it deserves a little love in return. Whether you're deep in the forest or back at your kitchen counter, here’s how to keep your blade sharp, clean, and adventure-ready.
1. Clean It Right After You Use It (Yes, Every Time)
Look, it’s easy to say “I’ll clean it later,” especially when you’re surrounded by trees and all you want to do is sit by the fire with a hot plate.
But taking two minutes to wipe down your knife can make all the difference.
🪵 In the wild:
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Give it a quick rinse if you’ve got clean water
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Wipe off any food bits or grease
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Dry it right away—don’t leave it wet in your bag or on the log table
🏡 At home:
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Hand wash only—no dishwashers
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Dry it completely (even around the handle)
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Store it somewhere safe
2. Keep It Sharp — Always
A dull knife is frustrating and dangerous. It slips, it tears, and it turns food prep into a chore.
💡 Out in the woods:
Pack a Honing Steel with you. It doesn’t take up much space, and a few quick swipes before you start cooking will keep your edge razor-sharp.
💡 At home:
Use a whetstone or have it professionally sharpened now and then. Honing maintains the edge, but sharpening brings it back when it starts to go dull.
3. Don’t Just Toss It in Your Pack
You wouldn't throw your cast iron in a backpack without protection, right? Same goes for your knife.
🔥 On the trail or at camp:
Use a Cleaver Sheath or wrap it in a thick cloth. Keeps your blade safe and your fingers safer.
🏠 At home:
Use a wooden knife block, a magnetic strip, or a knife roll—whatever works for your setup. Bonus if it’s our Magnetic Olive Wood Knife Block. Looks great and protects your blade between meals.
4. Oil It Every Now and Then
Think of this like moisturizing your blade. It helps prevent rust, keeps the metal happy, and adds years to your knife’s life.
🧴 After cleaning and drying:
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Rub a small amount of food-safe oil (mineral oil works great) onto the blade
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Buff it gently with a soft cloth
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Especially helpful after wet or humid adventures
You don’t need to do this daily—just when your knife looks a little dry or after heavy use.
5. Use the Right Surface
Chopping on rocks, glass, or hard plastic? That’s a one-way ticket to a dull or damaged edge.
Stick with wood. Always.
🔥 Outdoors or in your kitchen, the Olive Wood Cutting Board is perfect. It’s beautiful, durable, and easy on your knife’s edge.
Your knife is with you for the best parts of cooking—the first chop, the perfect slice, the proud plate of fire-cooked food.
Give it a little care, and it’ll stick with you for years to come—through early morning bacon in the woods, through rainy day soups at home, and every meal in between.
Take care of your knife, and it’ll always take care of you. 🔪
Need a blade that’s up for anything? Explore the full collection at Men With The Pot.
