KUKRI & KNIFE CARE
Photo: Gurkha Antiques.
A Gurkha soldier practising with his Kukri knife during WW2.
Before using your blade from Heritage Knives for the first time wipe off the oil with a soft sponge or soft linen cloth/cotton towel.
NOTE: Please remember the edge will be sharp and you may cut yourself easily if not handled with care. The knife tip pointy and sharp. HANDLE WITH CARE.
Always use the Kukri/Knife with proper consideration of what you have in hand, a tool, a weapon not a toy. It is not a super multi zombie slayer magical weapon that will outlast humanity but a tool to assist you in life´s journey if cared for and maintained.
More than likely your blade will outlive you and can be passed on to the next generation.
After use please clean the entire knife, not only the blade but the whole knife. Rub and if needed wash of dirt, dust and stains, dry it and apply oil or wax to the knife. Regular cleaning and oiling will help your knife to last for longer and be in better condition, to perform better when used later.
Before using your knife on food items, wipe clean with a towel or soft sponge, if needed wash with hot water and rinse clean depending what you have used it for earlier. Remember to re-clean and lubricate your knife after the job is done.
If any issues whatsoever contact us.
Enjoy your blade from Heritage Knives.
Basics -
All blades we sell, Kukri and other knives, are made from high carbon steel (read more about our MATERIALS tab in menu). High Carbon STeel can easily rust if wet or humid, your care is therefore needed. Our blades are made for service and use, to serve you well for many years to come.
Similar to most things in life, a little care always goes a long way. Your Knives performance and longevity will depend on how well you care for it and use it. As always use common sense and seek information to enhance what you do.
Do not use the Kukri/Knife as a hammer, can opener, chisel, pry bar, spade, screwdriver unless it was designed for such duties, our blades are NOT made for these tasks as their main duty. In case of emergency the situation is different as it means survival and it may be needed to which our blades will do the basic task of assisting you.
We suggest to always have a smaller (pocket) knife or multi tool with you along with your Kukri/Knife when out in nature or on duty/tour. A can opener will always do the job of opening a can better and safer than using a knife for the same task.
Our knives will always do what they are meant and designed for; cut, chop, stab and be of use to you, our blades are tools to assist you in life´s moments.
Here follows some basic advice and instructions on how to best care for your knife/kukri from us.
Basic Care.
The four basic knife maintenance rules,
keep your blade:
1.Clean.
2.Dry.
3.Oiled.
4.Sharp.
___________________________
Take good care of your blade,
it may save you one day!
1. Clean –
Keep all dirt, sand, grit and other unwanted material out of the knife. If possible, clean it without immersing into liquid (water, soapy water, acetone, nail polish remover, alcohol or paint thinner), i.e. spray or added to a towel works well.
While at times it is needed to immerse the blade to liquid like water. Take special care of protecting the handle which may take damage (specially the finishing) from water or chemicals used.
Avoid prolonged immersion in liquids and do not use detergents that contain Chlorine which may accelerate corrosion of the blade steel.
And whatever you do, do not clean your knife in a dishwasher as it will destroy the knife due to the chemicals, temperature and prolonged exposure to liquids. If you have a mirror polished blade be extra careful as with use comes signs of use.
Use of acidic substances like vinegar, lemons, orange, tomatoes and other similar residues that stays on the blade for extended periods of time will cause harm to the blade and its finishing. It is a chemical reaction between the steel and the acid, no rocket science.
2. Dry –
If your blade should get wet, dry it thoroughly, do not let it air dry. If it comes into contact with acidity substances, salt water or any substance you are not certain about, you should rinse it immediately with tap water, dry it and apply a light coat of oil.
Always make sure the whole knife is properly dry before applying oil to it.
Make sure your knife is DRY, DRY, DRY!
Purano Dal /Old Regimental Kukri.
based on authentic pieces used in the late 18th to mid 19th century in Nepal and north India by our forefathers.
Our 15" Butcher Kukri in use.
Real user blades, authentic Kukri´s and classical knives from Heritage Knives.
3. Oiled–
After use clean your blade and then wipe the blade with an oil-moistened cloth to prevent rust, especially if you live in a damp or humid climate or close to the ocean.
Some prefer wax which also works well.
Remember to oil the handle as well, whiter it is made from wood, horn or metal, it will help to maintain it.
Periodically clean your knife and oil it which helps prevent surface oxidation and corrosion from moisture. Even a cactus needs water from time to time, your knife needs care from time to time.
4. Sharp –
A sharp knife is always better than a dull knife, how sharp depends on what you will use it for.
There is a variety of options available from sharpening stones to machines.
A simple sharpening steel will give your blade a simple user edge but won’t last for that long nor give you the best results.
Sharpening stones in varying grits is strongly recommended while for more advanced users, a home grinder could be an option for those even more serious.
While out and about a diamond sharpener or sharpening stone will be most useful. Please use medium-fine-extra fine grits for varying sharpness and better edge retention.
Strop it when needed!
Lt. Montagu´s Sirupate Kukri (reproduction)
being tested.
Heritage Knives Kukri´s and Knives are tested
for use on a variety of hard and soft substances.