If you love cooking outdoors, you know how much your gear goes through. Knives get covered in meat juices, cast iron takes a beating over open flames, and wooden utensils see their fair share of adventure. But with a little care, your tools can last a lifetime—so let’s talk about keeping them in top shape.
1. Keep Your Knives Sharp and Happy 🔪
A dull knife is about as useful as a wet match. Keeping your blade sharp isn’t just about performance—it’s about making outdoor cooking easier (and safer).
- Hone before every use – Think of a honing steel as a warm-up for your knife. It realigns the edge, so your cuts stay clean and effortless. The MWTP Honing Steel is perfect for this.
- Wash and dry immediately – Knives hate moisture. A quick rinse and a thorough dry will prevent rust and keep your blade in fighting shape.
- Oil the blade – If you’re storing your knife for a while, rub a little food-safe mineral oil on the blade. It’s like a moisturizer, but for steel.
Need a workhorse knife for your outdoor adventures? The Special Edition Cleaver is built for tough jobs and wild cooking sessions.
2. Show Your Cast Iron Some Love 🍳
Cast iron is one of those things that gets better with age—if you treat it right. A well-seasoned skillet will never let you down, but neglect it, and you’ll be dealing with rust and stuck-on food.
- Skip the soap – Hot water and a stiff brush are all you need. Soap can strip away the seasoning, and we don’t want that.
- Dry it over the fire – After washing, place it over an open flame or stovetop to ensure it’s completely dry.
- Season it regularly – Rub a thin layer of oil all over the surface, heat it until it smokes, and let it cool. Boom—non-stick magic restored.
Looking for a top-tier skillet? The MWTP Cast Iron Skillet is triple-seasoned and ready for any cooking adventure.
3. Take Care of Your Wooden Tools 🌿
Wooden utensils and cutting boards bring a rustic charm to outdoor cooking, but they need a little TLC to stay in great shape.
- Hand wash only – Dishwashers are a death sentence for wooden utensils. Stick to hand-washing with warm water.
- Oil them up – Just like knives need oil, so do wooden utensils. A little food-grade mineral oil keeps them from drying out and cracking.
- Let them breathe – Store your wooden tools in an open-air space. Sealing them in a drawer while damp can lead to mold (gross).
Want some beautifully crafted olive wood gear?
- Olive Wood 5 PC Utensil Set – Perfect for stirring, flipping, and serving.
- Olive Wood Cutting Board – A solid, gorgeous surface for slicing and dicing.
- Magnetic Olive Wood Knife Block – Stylish and practical storage for your best blades.
4. Store Your Gear Like a Pro 🏕️
Proper storage means your gear is always ready for the next adventure.
- Keep knives protected – Use a sheath, like the MWTP Cleaver Sheath, or a magnetic knife block to keep them safe.
- Avoid moisture traps – Whether it's knives, cast iron, or wooden utensils, make sure they’re completely dry before storing.
- Give everything a once-over – Before packing up for your next trip, check your gear for rust, cracks, or dull edges. A little maintenance now saves frustration later.
Outdoor cooking is all about the experience—but taking care of your gear is what keeps that experience enjoyable. Show your knives, cast iron, and wooden tools a little love, and they’ll be your trusted cooking companions for years to come.
Need to upgrade or maintain your gear? Check out Men With The Pot for high-quality outdoor cooking essentials.
