Why high-carbon steel?

In today’s marketplace, you can find knives made of anything from scrap mystery metal to the latest and greatest “super steels.” Even still, there is no “perfect” knife steel, always a compromise. The steel I select to create my knives comes down to a philosophy comprised of three main factors.

Dependability; High-carbon steels have been used in edged tools for thousands of years, with good reason.

Practicality; High-carbon steels take a very sharp edge, easily. No need for expensive sharpeners and complicated techniques. You don’t need to be a pro to resharpen these knives. Less time at the sharpener means more time for the task at hand.

Workability; Making a one-off knife from high-carbon steel emphasizes knowledge gained through patience, and practice over extremely expensive equipment or automated techniques. This allows me to bring to market a knife that performs above its price point with a personal touch.

How do I take care of my knife?

High-carbon steel is not stainless. It can be prone to corrosion and rust. Think of a Hubris Knife like your favorite cast iron dutch oven that has been in the family for decades. It will perform better and last longer when given proper care and treatment. Here are some tips to help you keep your knife in lasting condition.

• Rinse & wipe dry the blade of your knife after and between uses. Carbon has a tendency to react with acidic foods as well as water. Keeping your knife clean and dry is the best thing you can do to protect it.

• NEVER put your knife through the dishwasher or allow it to rest or soak in any water. This is extremely hard on all of the materials in your knife.

• ALWAYS make sure your knife is completely dry before storing it.

Patina: Over time and use your knife’s blade will develop a thin coating, called a patina. This is a natural blue/gray coating caused by the steel reacting to the air and the materials you cut. Each patina is unique, inevitable, and food safe. A nice patina will help protect your knife from rust and corrosion.

Handle Wood: I often use exotic hardwoods for the handles of my knives. These woods are cured and considered stable, however, wood is a natural substance and can “move” over time and with environmental factors. It is good practice to keep wood handles well-oiled or waxed to prevent dryness, cracking, or warping.