Damascus Knife Care & Storage Guide

Japanese VG10 Damascus kitchen knife on a wooden chopping board

Your Sharp Blades VG10 Damascus steel knife is designed to provide exceptional sharpness, precision, and durability. With proper care, your knife will maintain its performance and appearance for many years.

Daily Care
To keep your knife in excellent condition:
Hand wash the knife immediately after use with warm water and mild washing-up liquid.
Dry the blade thoroughly with a soft cloth before storing.
Never leave the knife soaking in water.
Avoid using abrasive cleaning pads or harsh chemicals.

Washing a Japanese kitchen knife by hand

Do not place your Damascus knife in a dishwasher. The high temperatures, detergents and contact with other utensils can damage both the blade and the handle.

Drying a Japanese Damascus knife with a soft cloth

Always Use the Right Cutting Surface
To protect the cutting edge, always use:
✅ Wooden chopping boards
✅ Plastic chopping boards

Japanese chef's knife slicing vegetables on a wooden chopping board

Avoid cutting on:
❌ Glass chopping boards
❌ Ceramic plates or boards
❌ Stone, marble or granite worktops
❌ Metal surfaces

Hard surfaces will quickly dull or chip the cutting edge.

What Your Knife Is Designed For
Your Damascus knife is designed for precision food preparation, including:
Fruit and vegetables
Meat without bones
Fish
Herbs
General kitchen slicing and chopping

Avoid Misuse
To prevent damage to the blade:
Never use your knife to:
Pry or lever objects
Twist the blade while cutting
Open tins, cans or bottles
Cut through bones
Chop frozen food
Strike hard fruit stones or pits
Cut hard seeds
Scrape food from the chopping board using the cutting edge

If moving chopped food, use the spine (back) of the blade rather than the cutting edge.

Proper Storage
Correct storage is just as important as proper use.

We recommend storing your knife in one of the following:
Original presentation box
Knife block
Magnetic knife holder
Blade guard or edge protector
Knife roll (for transport)

Avoid Kitchen Drawers
Never store your knife loose in a kitchen drawer with other utensils.

When knives come into contact with forks, spoons, scissors or other metal objects, the cutting edge can chip or become damaged. Storing your knife properly helps protect its razor-sharp edge and extends its lifespan.

Sharpening
VG10 Damascus steel offers excellent edge retention, meaning it requires sharpening less frequently than many standard kitchen knives.

When sharpening becomes necessary:
Use a quality whetstone.
Sharpen using the correct angle (approximately 15° per side)
Avoid pull-through sharpeners that remove excessive material
If unsure, have the knife professionally sharpened

Rust Prevention
Although VG10 Damascus steel is highly corrosion-resistant, proper care is still important.

Always:
Dry the knife immediately after washing.
Store it in a dry location.
Avoid prolonged exposure to moisture or acidic foods.

Lifetime Warranty
Sharp Blades knives are covered by our Lifetime Warranty against manufacturing defects.

The warranty does not cover damage resulting from:
Improper use
Misuse
Accidental damage
Chipping caused by impact or twisting
Normal wear and tear
Damage caused by dishwashers
Damage caused by improper storage

Following the care guidelines above will help keep your Damascus knife performing at its best for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put my Damascus knife in the dishwasher?
No. Always hand wash and dry your knife immediately after use.

Can I cut frozen food?
No. Frozen food can chip or damage the cutting edge.

Can I cut bones?
No. Use a cleaver or bone saw for bones.

Can I store my knife in a kitchen drawer?
Only if it is protected by a blade guard or stored separately. Never allow the blade to come into contact with other utensils.

How often should I sharpen my knife?
This depends on usage, but VG10 Damascus steel retains its edge well. Most home cooks only need to sharpen it occasionally.