How to care for hand-forged knives and cookware: A complete guide

Hand-forged knives and cookware are an investment that, with proper care, will last for generations. In this guide, we reveal everything you need to know about caring for your Planina Knives products – from daily cleaning to long-term maintenance.

Why is care for hand-forged products important?

Unlike industrially produced knives with non-stick coatings that wear out, hand-forged steel requires a little more attention – but in return, it offers durability and performance that mass-produced items cannot provide. With proper care, your knife will only get better with age.

Daily knife cleaning

After each use, follow these steps:

1. Wash by hand – Never put hand-forged knives in the dishwasher. Warm water and mild detergent are all you need.
2. Dry immediately – Water is steel's main enemy. After washing, immediately dry the knife with a dry cloth.
3. Never leave it wet – Moisture causes rust, especially on the carbon steel we use in Planina Knives.

Oiling and protecting the blade

Regular oiling is key to your knife's longevity:

• Use food-grade mineral oil or camellia seed oil – both are safe for food contact.
• Apply a thin layer of oil to the blade after each cleaning.
• For knives used less frequently, oil once a month.
• Avoid vegetable oils like olive oil – they can go rancid and damage the steel.

Sharpening the knife

A sharp knife is a safe knife – a dull knife requires more force and increases the risk of injury.

• Daily: Use a honing steel before each use.
• Monthly: Sharpen the knife on a sharpening stone with a grit of 1000-3000.
• Annually: Professional sharpening to restore the original blade angle.

Care for the wooden handle

The wooden handles of our knives require special attention:

• Occasionally apply wood oil or beeswax to prevent cracking and drying.
• Avoid prolonged soaking in water – wood can deform.
• Store the knife in a dry and well-ventilated place.

Care for hand-forged pans and woks

Forged cookware requires a seasoning process that creates a natural non-stick coating:

1. Wash the new pan with warm water and dry it.
2. Apply a thin layer of oil with a high smoke point (e.g., canola or flaxseed oil).
3. Heat the pan in the oven at 200°C for one hour.
4. Allow it to cool in the oven. Repeat 2-3 times for optimal results.

After each use, wipe the pan with a paper towel while it's still warm, apply a thin layer of oil, and store it in a dry place.

Storage

• Use a magnetic knife strip or a wooden block – never an unprotected drawer.
• Store knives separately to prevent blades from dulling each other.
• Store cookware in a dry and well-ventilated place.

Conclusion

Hand-forged products from Planina Knives are made to last – but they also require your attention. A few minutes of care after each use will ensure your knife or pan remains in perfect condition for years, even decades.

Have questions about caring for your Planina Knives products? Contact us – we'd be happy to help!