Quick answer: to care for a cowboy knife, wipe the blade clean and dry after every use, apply a thin coat of oil, and never store it wet in its sheath. Care for the leather sheath by keeping it dry, cleaning off dirt and applying leather conditioner two to four times a year. Ten seconds of care a day keeps a handmade knife working for decades.
Daily care: what should you do after each use?
- Wipe the blade with a cloth to remove moisture, sap, blood or dirt.
- Wash if needed with warm water and a drop of mild soap, then dry completely, including around the guard and pins.
- Oil lightly. One or two drops of mineral oil spread thin is enough.
- Check the sheath is dry before putting the knife back.
How do you stop a cowboy knife rusting?
Most handmade cowboy knives use carbon-rich steels such as rasp steel, Damascus and D2, which can rust. Rust needs moisture, so the whole defense is keeping water off the steel:
- Dry the knife immediately after it gets wet.
- Keep a thin film of oil or wax on the blade.
- Clean off blood, fruit juice and salt quickly; they speed up corrosion.
- On rasp steel, work oil into the grooves between the teeth with a soft brush.
How do you remove rust spots?
- Put a few drops of oil on the spot.
- Rub gently with very fine steel wool (0000 grade) or a baking soda paste on a cloth, moving along the blade.
- Wipe clean, dry and re-oil.
Go lightly on Damascus: hard scrubbing can dull the etched pattern. A grey patina is not rust and can be left alone.
How do you care for the handle?
| Handle material | Care |
|---|---|
| Wood | Keep dry; rub in a little mineral oil or wax when it looks dull |
| Stag, antler, horn, bone | Keep dry and away from heat; a light coat of mineral oil prevents drying and cracking |
| Resin and pine cone resin | Wipe clean; avoid high heat and solvents |
| Micarta | Wash with soap and water; virtually maintenance-free |
How do you care for a leather knife sheath?
- Brush or wipe off dirt with a slightly damp cloth.
- If it gets soaked, remove the knife, reshape the sheath by hand and let it air dry at room temperature. Never use a heater or direct sun.
- Condition with a small amount of leather conditioner or neatsfoot oil two to four times a year. Too much oil makes leather soft and loose.
- Check the stitching and belt slots for wear from time to time.
How should you store a cowboy knife long term?
For storage longer than a few weeks, keep the knife out of the leather sheath. Leather absorbs moisture from the air and tanning chemicals can mark steel over time. Oil the blade, wrap it in a soft cloth or paper and keep it in a dry place next to its sheath.
What should you never do with a cowboy knife?
- Do not put it in a dishwasher.
- Do not leave it soaking or sitting in a wet sheath.
- Do not pry, dig or throw it.
- Do not store it oily blade-down in a closed plastic bag, which traps moisture.
Knives this routine applies to
This care routine suits every blade in the ASC Forge cowboy knife collection, including the Damascus EDC cowboy knife with ashwood handle, the Stagmere rasp steel skinner with stag horn handle and the Ironvale rasp steel bull cutter with Micarta handle.
Frequently asked questions
What oil is best for a knife blade?
Food-grade mineral oil is the best all-round choice because it protects steel, is safe if the knife touches food and does not go rancid.
Is it bad to store a knife in a leather sheath?
Daily carry in a dry leather sheath is fine. Long-term storage in leather is not recommended, because leather holds moisture that can cause rust.
How often should you oil a carbon steel knife?
Oil a carbon steel knife lightly after each cleaning, and at least once a month if it is stored and not being used.
Need to restore the edge too? Read how to sharpen a cowboy knife.