Knife Care & Maintenance

Take Care of Your Blade — and It’ll Take Care of You.

Your Ardent Messer knife is built to last — rugged, razor-sharp, and made for serious use. But like any precision tool, it needs proper care to perform at its best. Whether you’re carrying it daily or using it out in the wild, a little maintenance goes a long way.

Follow this guide to keep your blade sharp, strong, and always ready for action.

 Blade Care

1. Clean After Every Use
After each use — especially in wet, muddy, or salty environments — wipe your blade clean with a soft cloth. Use warm water and mild soap if needed.
Important: Dry it thoroughly to prevent corrosion.

2. Oil the Blade Regularly
Apply a light coat of oil (such as mineral oil or any good gun/knife oil) to protect against rust, especially if your knife is made from high-carbon steel.
Frequency: Once a month, or more often in humid/wet conditions.

3. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Never use bleach or strong cleaners. They can damage the steel and handle materials.

Sharpening & Honing

1. Use the Right Tools
We recommend using a whetstone, ceramic rod, or guided sharpening system. Avoid cheap pull-through sharpeners — they can damage the edge over time.

2. Maintain the Angle
Our knives are typically ground to a 20-degree angle. Try to maintain this while sharpening to keep a strong, functional edge.

3. Hone Regularly
Honing realigns the edge and helps preserve sharpness between full sharpenings. Do it every few uses for optimal performance.

Handle Care

1. Know Your Handle Type

Micarta / G10: Just clean with water and a soft cloth. These are rugged, low-maintenance materials.

Wood: Occasionally apply a light coat of mineral oil or handle oil to prevent drying or cracking.

2. Avoid Soaking
Never soak your knife or leave it submerged in water. This can damage both blade and handle.

 Storage Tips

1. Dry Before Storing
Always store your knife dry — even in a sheath — to prevent moisture buildup.

2. Use a Sheath or Knife Roll
Store your blade in its sheath or a knife roll to protect the edge and keep it away from dirt and dust.

3. Avoid Leather for Long-Term Storage
While leather sheaths look great, they can trap moisture over time. For long-term storage, wrap your knife in a dry cloth or use a synthetic sheath.

 What to Avoid

Don’t use your knife as a pry tool, screwdriver, or hammer

Don’t toss it in the dishwasher (ever!)

Don’t store it wet or dirty

Don’t let your edge get too dull before sharpening — it’s harder to bring back

Recommended Knife Care Products

We suggest using:

Mineral oil or dedicated knife oil

Dual-sided whetstone (1000/6000 grit)

Soft microfiber cloth

Ceramic honing rod

Need help choosing the right gear? Reach out to us anytime — we’re happy to recommend tools.

Questions?

📧 Email: info@ardentmesser.com
We’re always here to help you get the most out of your Ardent Messer blade.

Respect the Blade. Earn Its Trust.

A well-maintained knife doesn’t just last — it performs better, feels better, and becomes part of your lifestyle. Take care of it, and it’ll always have your back.