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Choosing and purchasing high-quality, sharp knives is an important task, but it's equally crucial to care for them properly so that the blades maintain their appearance and high performance for a long time. Chefs and home cooks often pay a lot of attention to the blades, ensuring they stay sharp and smooth. However, knife handles frequently get overlooked, which is a mistake. Cracks in the handle can harbor bacteria, and wood can dry out and deform over time. Let’s talk about how to properly oil a knife handle and why it’s important.

WHY AND HOW TO CARE FOR THE HANDLE

Modern handles made from polymers, rubber, composites, and plastic typically don’t require special care. The question of how to treat a knife handle arises mainly with wooden ones. It’s important to distinguish between untreated wood and stabilized wood. The former is porous and protected only by a layer of lacquer, which can degrade over time, leaving the handle vulnerable.

Knife handles made from stabilized wood are infused with protective compounds during manufacturing, making them more resistant to moisture and less prone to deformation. However, whether your knife has a stabilized or untreated wooden handle, you’ll eventually need to treat it with oil to maintain its condition. Linseed oil is considered the best option, as it absorbs well into the wood and fills the pores. Other options include olive oil, sunflower oil, mustard oil, and corn oil.

BENEFITS OF TREATING A KNIFE HANDLE:

Prevents decay and bacterial growth.

Enhances water resistance and protects against mold and mildew.

Restores the wood’s appearance, giving it a beautiful shine without making it too slippery.

METHODS TO OIL A KNIFE HANDLE

If the knife’s protective coating is still intact, there’s no need to treat it immediately. However, as the handle begins to wear, you should remove the old finish and prepare it for oiling. Here are some common methods:

RUBBING OIL INTO THE HANDLE

Depending on how often you use the knife and the type of wood, you may need to oil the handle every 1-2 months, or less frequently. Here’s how to do it:

Heat the Handle: Warm the handle by placing the knife on a hot radiator or heating it with a hairdryer to about 60-70 degrees Celsius.

Apply the Oil: Use a brush to apply a generous amount of oil (repeat the application several times) or leave the handle submerged in oil for 3-4 hours.

Rub It In: Use a soft cloth or sponge to vigorously rub the oil into the wood. The longer and more intensely you do this, the better.

Let It Dry: Leave the knife for a day to allow the oil to fully absorb.

OIL SOAKING METHOD

This method dates back to ancient times when woodworkers discovered that soaking logs in oil made the wood stronger and more durable. This technique involves soaking the knife handle in oil for several hours, which allows the oil to penetrate deeply into the wood, providing long-lasting protection.

Sand the Handle: Thoroughly sand the handle to remove any old finish.

Seal the Blade: Wrap the blade in plastic or tape to prevent oil from reaching it.

Heat the Oil: Pour oil into a heatproof container and place it in a water bath. Heat the oil without bringing it to a boil, then submerge the handle.

Soak for 6 Hours: Let the handle soak for about 6 hours, then leave it in the oil to cool down completely.

Dry the Handle: Remove the knife from the oil and let it air dry for 2-3 weeks.

HOW TO MAINTAIN THE HANDLE

To extend the lifespan of your knife and reduce the need for frequent oiling, it’s essential to follow these care tips:

Avoid Dishwasher Use: Harsh detergents and high temperatures can damage wooden handles, causing them to crack and deform.

Don’t Soak in Water: Prolonged exposure to water can damage the handle. Clean it with a dry cloth before washing.

Store Properly: Keep knives in a dark, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can dry out the wood.

Oil Regularly: Even if you don’t use your knife often, regular oiling is necessary to maintain the handle’s condition.

Wooden handles require careful maintenance, but the effort is worth it. No synthetic material can match the beauty, warmth, and natural feel of wood.

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