Damascus steel has a high carbon content which gives it a long-lasting edge. However, the carbon makes it susceptible to rust when it is subjected to moisture. To avoid this wash your knives in warm water with any standard dish soap and fully dry with a fresh towel. Once dry take a cloth or paper towel and coat the knife with oil. We recommend Mineral Oil as it is cheap, food-safe, and does not spoil. Any cooking oil will do the job short term however it is not recommended for long storage times due to spoiling.
If your knife ends up with some rust on it, don't worry! It's an easy fix!
On a fresh blade rust can form within minutes, and it can be a scary sight but don't lose hope yet! If rust appears, rub the blade down with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, wash with warm soapy water, hand dry, then oil the blade as normal. Over time your knife will develop a patina and will become more lenient to moisture. High Carbon Damascus does require a bit more care than your grandmas bread knife, but the quality, performance, and user experience make it more than worth it!
Here's some quick tips for your reference.
-Wash in warm soapy water and dry immediately.
-Use mineral oil to coat the blade before storing.
-If you get rust, vinegar will fix it.
-Do not store knives in the leather roll for long periods of time, the leather can hold moisture against the blade. If you have to do it, apply a heavy coat of oil before storing.
