Care and Sharpening

Knife Care, Cleaning, and Sharpening

 

Proper care for your Notorious Knife is the key to its longevity and optimal performance. 

 

Care and Cleaning

 

Using warm water with a quality soap (like Dawn) is perfect for cleaning your knife and scales. Avoid abrasive cleaners or tools, as they can scratch the surface.  Use a non-abrasive material like a microfiber cloth, toothbrush, or soft sponge to scrub your knife clean. Rinse well and immediately towel-dry with a clean towel.

 

Applying a thin layer of food grade mineral oil to the blade, while wiping off the excess, will help protect against moisture damage. CMP154 is a stainless steel, however, prolonged exposure to water or moisture can still damage your knife.  You can also apply food grade mineral oil to the scales to help restore the color.

 

For sticky or gummy residues (e.g., tape residue, tree sap), first use a cloth with acetone or mineral spirits, then clean and oil as instructed.

 

Periodically check any screws on the handle to ensure they are tight, as loose screws can affect the knife's stability.

 

Avoid using the knife for tasks that could damage the blade, such as prying or as a screwdriver substitute, to maintain its edge and integrity.

 

Sharpening

 

Your Notorious Knife comes about as sharp as we dare make it, and using CPM154 means you get great edge retention. That said, every knife blade dulls with use. Properly sharpening your knife requires precision, patience, and the right tools to maintain its edge and performance.

 

We recommend using whetstones to sharpen your knife. You’ll want multiple grits depending on how dull you’ve let your knife get. For duller knives, start with a coarse stone (200-400 grit) and progress to a medium stone (800-1000 grit) then a fine stone (3000-6000 grit).

 

Prepare by submerging water-based whetstones in water for 10-15 minutes until bubbles stop (check manufacturer instructions). For oil stones, apply a thin layer of honing oil. Place the stone on a non-slip surface, like a towel, to prevent movement during sharpening.


Handle the knife carefully, especially when testing sharpness, to avoid cuts.


Sharpen with the Coarse Stone (200-400 Grit)


This grit is used to remove nicks, reshape the edge, or establish a new bevel on a very dull blade.


Place the blade on the stone at a 14° angle (each side and is measured from the blade's flat side, not the bevel). Maintaining a steady angle is critical to preserve the blade geometry.


Use light, even pressure and move the blade in a sweeping motion, from the base to the tip, across the stone. Imagine slicing a thin layer off the stone.

Maintain consistent angle and pressure. Sharpen one side for 10-15 strokes, then switch to the other side.


Continue until you feel a slight burr (a thin, raised edge) along the entire length of the opposite side. This indicates the edge is ready for the next stone.

 

Progress to the Medium Stone (800-1000 Grit)


This girt refines the edge and smooths out scratches from the coarse stone.

Repeat the same sweeping motion and angle as before, using lighter pressure.


Alternate sides every 10 strokes to keep the edge symmetrical.


Sharpen until the burr becomes smaller and the edge feels smoother.


Finish with the Fine Stone (3000-6000 Grit)  This is to polish the edge for a razor-sharp finish.


Use very light pressure and the same sweeping motion, maintaining the same angle.


Alternate sides every 5-10 strokes to ensure even polishing.


Continue until the edge is smooth, shiny, and the burr is minimal or gone.


Test the edge by carefully slicing through paper or shaving hair to check the sharpness. If the edge catches or tears, continue sharpening.


Clean each stone after you’re done with a damp cloth to wipe away metal particles so you keep the stone effective over time.


Once you’ve reached your desired sharpness, wipe the blade with a damp cloth to remove metal particles and honing residue, then dry your blade.


Regularly lightly hone or strop the blade after use to maintain the edge, reducing the need for heavy sharpening.


Sharpening Troubleshooting:

  • Edge not sharp? Check your angle consistency or ensure you’ve formed and removed the burr at each stage
  • Scratches on the blade? Use lighter pressure on finer stones and ensure stones are clean
  • Uneven edge? Alternate sides evenly and check to make sure you’re sharpening the entire edge. 

 

If you’d rather have Notorious Knives sharpen your Notorious Knife, then contact us.