PERSONAL OPINION

Cutting edge care

What do I do
Let's explore how you take care of the knives and tools after sharpening
Thank you for choosing Mr. Sharp as your sharpening solution! I want to share with you some tips on how to maintain your knives and tools after they have been sharpened. These procedures are designed to help the sharpness of your knives and tools last at least a little longer. Allow me go one step further and tell you what I do after I sharpen my knives and tools. Let's start with the basics.
Knives and tools are typically made of either steel or ceramic. Steel knives can be made from different types of steel, such as carbon steel and stainless steel, which affect the knife's durability, resistance to rust, chipping and other factors. For instance, high-carbon steel knives stay sharp for longer but chip more easily, while low-carbon steel is more flexible and rust-resistant but dulls faster. Ceramic blades, on the other hand, have unique properties that differ from steel blades.

To take care of your knives and tools, you need to be mindful of their maintenance. Proper care can help extend the lifespan of your cutting tools, regardless of the type of material they're made from. Let's explore some tips on how to take good care of your knives and tools.
Remember, any cutting tool gets dull quicker without proper care
Cutting equipment such as clipper blades, scissors, knives, chisels, HSS lathe turning tools, and others require regular maintenance to perform optimally. To ensure their longevity, I have come up with a list of rules that are applicable to most cutting tools:

1. A clean cutting edge lasts longer.

2. The longevity of sharpness also depends on storage.

3. Humidity affects the oxidation rate of different materials.

4. Excessive force can damage the cutting edge.

5. Moving parts require lubrication to avoid excess friction (if applicable).

6. Cutting tools must have a higher hardness rate than the subject being cut.

7. The best place to sharpen your cutting tools is Mr. Sharp :)
1. When using a saw to cut a pine tree, it's possible for pine sap to get on the blade's teeth. If left to harden, it could cause issues, such as difficulty with cutting and mechanical damage to the blade during removal. It's important to remove any leftover material or dirt from the blade after use to prevent rust from developing. Rust can quickly eat away at the cutting edge of the blade, and in severe cases, the tool may need to be sharpened to restore its effectiveness.

2. It's important to store your knives and tools properly in order to prolong their lifespan. Personally, I use a wine rack in the corner of my kitchen for storing my knives. If that's not an option for you, there are magnetic knife holders or knife organizers available in the market. If you're short on counter or drawer space, you can consider using edge guards to protect your knives. No matter what option you choose, as long as your knives are secured or have an edge guard, they can be safely stored in a drawer or elsewhere.

3. It's worth knowing that some knives and tools are made of high carbon steel and are more prone to rusting than other steel types. So, consider this when buying a knife or tool set. If your storage area is located in a high-humidity environment, then your tools are at a higher risk of rusting. Regardless of the type of steel your tools are made of, proper storage is a crucial part of extending their lifespan.
4. Pressing hard on a knife during cutting can be dangerous for several reasons.

Pressing too hard can cause the knife to slip or bounce off the object being cut, potentially causing injury to the user or bystanders. Also, the blade can bent and cause costly repairs.

Excessive force may also chip the blade, causing issues during cutting
Pressing hard on a knife can cause the blade to become dull more quickly. This is because excessive pressure can cause the blade to bend or roll, which can damage the edge and make it less effective at cutting.
5. Clipper blades is the best example. Lubricating the blade can help to reduce friction and heat buildup, allowing the clipper to operate more smoothly and safely. Clipper blades contain several moving parts that work together to cut hair, and if these parts rub against each other without proper lubrication, they can get hot enough to cause damage or even break. Additionally, without lubrication, dirt, hair, and other debris can build up between the moving parts, which can cause the blades to slow down or stop working altogether. By keeping the blades properly lubricated, you can ensure that they work smoothly and efficiently for a longer period of time.
6. It is important to use appropriate tools for different tasks. For instance, using a kitchen knife for anything other than cutting food can cause damage to its cutting edge. The material that is being cut must be softer than the tool itself, otherwise it may result in excessive wear and tear, leading to damage or failure.

Using the wrong tool for a task can also be hazardous. For example, using a kitchen knife as a utility knife without proper cleaning can contaminate food with bacteria, potentially leading to health issues later on.
7. Taking care of your knives and tools is easier than you think. And when you bring them to Mr. Sharp, you can trust they are in good hands.