Knife Maintenance Guide L'Ergot

Knife Maintenance Guide L'Ergot

Your L'Ergot knives are designed to last and provide exceptional performance over time. To preserve their sharpness and shine, it is essential to provide them with proper maintenance. Here are our tips for taking care of your knives and extending their lifespan.

  1. Cleaning
    • Hand Washing: Always wash your knives by hand with warm water and mild soap.
    • Avoid the Dishwasher: Excessive heat and detergents can damage the blade and handle.
    • Immediate Drying: Wipe immediately after washing with a soft cloth to prevent corrosion.
    Tip: If your knife is made of Damascus steel or polished sintered steel, apply a thin layer of mineral oil after washing to prevent rust.

  2. Sharpening and Honing
    • Frequency: Sharpen your knives regularly, about once a month for daily use.
    • Recommended Tools:
      ▫️ Pierre à aiguiser (grain 400 à 800 pour l’entretien courant, grain 1000 à 3000 pour la finition).
      ▫️ Passage au cuir avec pâte à lustrer pour enlever le morfil.
    • Technique: Maintain a 20° angle between the blade and the stone. Smoothly pass the blade from the base to the tip in a fluid motion.
    Tip: To ensure a precise and durable cut, alternate one pass on each side of the blade to maintain good symmetry of the cutting angle.

  3. Storage
    • Supports and Blocks: Use a wooden knife block or a magnetic holder.
    • Individual Cases: For collectible knives or high-end models, prefer the provided case to protect the blade.
    • Avoid the Drawer: Storing knives loosely can damage the edges and cause accidents.
    Tip: A magnetic wall mount allows quick access while preserving the quality of the edge.

  4. Usage Precautions
    • Suitable Cutting Boards: Use wooden or plastic boards, never glass or stone which dull the blade.
    • Never Force: Avoid cutting bones or frozen foods with knives not designed for that.
    • No Lever: Never use the blade as a lever or screwdriver.

  5. Finishing and Protection
    • Cerakote Coating: Our knives treated with this coating resist scratches and corrosion. However, to prolong their effectiveness, avoid scraping the blade with a hard object.
    • Damascus Blades: To preserve the damascus patterns, use only acidic products such as lemon juice to revive the shine and do not expose the blade to prolonged moisture.
    Tip: Regular maintenance will maintain the beauty and performance of your knives, making them durable and reliable kitchen companions.

Need Help?

For any questions or additional advice, do not hesitate to contact us by email (coutellerie.ergot@gmail.com) or by phone (06784465).

We are delighted to assist you in the maintenance of your L'Ergot knives.