How to Care for Your Olive Wood Knives

One of the most unique features of Made In’s Olive Wood Knives are their handle. This wooden handle requires specific care since wood is a natural material, and can either splinter, rot, or take on other issues if it’s not cared for properly. Here are some tips and tricks to make sure your wooden handle lasts forever.

Do Not Put It in the Dishwasher

While we don’t suggest putting any of your Made In Knives in the dishwasher, we can’t stress enough that the wooden handle of our Olive Wood Knives would be ruined if they went in the dishwasher. The rush of water and soap in your dishwasher would warp or splinter the handle. Plus, it can compromise the sharpness of your blade.

Applying Oil to the Wooden Handle

It is beneficial to apply a small amount of oil to the wooden handle of your knife. Oiling the wooden handle saturates the pores, which prevents water from being absorbed. There are a variety of wood oils you can buy at knife stores, but if you have canola, mineral, or coconut oil, those will work great. Simply add a few drops of your preferred oil to the handle and rub it in with a paper towel. Allow the oil to be absorbed into the wooden handle for an hour or two. You should oil the handle of your wooden knife at least a few times a year, as it will maintain the longevity and performance of your knife.

Avoid Direct Sunlight

If you're blessed with a kitchen that has access to plentiful of natural light, it's a given that your kitchen tools will be in direct sunlight during the day. While this is great, the sunlight can dry out the wooden handle of your knife, which can lead to cracking. Make sure to store your knife in a drawer, or if you want to leave it out on the counter for your friends and family to see (we don't blame you. It's gorgeous), then make sure it is out of direct sunlight.

Wash and Dry Immediately

To make your knives last longer, you should clean them right after you use them. To properly clean the blade, use warm water and soap. The handle should be cleaned with a damp cloth and then immediately dried. It is important that the wood isn’t exposed or left soaking in water for too long.

These four rules may seem small, but they are very important in making sure your Olive Wood Knives stays looking sharp and brand new.