In an era in which competitors like Case and Rough Ryder rely heavily on stainless steel alloys, half to appeal to a buying populace that doesn’t care to learn how to care for steel, or is too lazy to do so, Great Eastern Cutlery still does things the old fashioned way. 

Their traditional pocket knives are predominantly made from 1095 steel, which is a high-carbon alloy that is not stainless. The chief constituents of 1095 are .95 carbon and iron. There’s basically no chromium or nickel to speak of. 

So, this alloy still can take an edge and when properly heat-treated can hold it. It’s also a pretty tough steel when tempered properly. However, what 1095 cannot do is resist rust. Forget to clean it or make the mistake of leaving it in a wet environment and it will rust. 

Fortunately, you only need basic knowledge of knife care to prevent rust from seizing your Great Eastern Cutlery knives. Here’s what you need to know. 

Proper Care and Maintenance

Proper care and maintenance of Great Eastern Cutlery knives starts with not exposing them to harsh elements. Avoid exposure to marine climes if possible.

Also, clean and dry your knife after every use. Even mundane tasks like slicing up fruits will expose the blade to acids that will etch it and mar the finish. Unless you are specifically trying to induce a patina, make sure you thoroughly clean and dry the knife before storing it.

Pay particular attention around the pivot points. While you want to make sure these are clean and you may want to rinse the knife, the pivot can trap moisture, and it will rust and seize if it is not completely dry before storing. 

Where you store the knife also makes a big difference here. Ideally you want to store the knife somewhere that it will not be exposed to harsh conditions. High humidity is a problem, and will incur rust, so it’s best to store the knife somewhere dry and cool if possible.

Also, you should periodically oil the knife before storing. Machine or gun oil will work here, but if you are concerned about food-safe use, you can use an oil like tsubaki oil, which has been traditionally used to protect knives, and which is food safe. 

Also, don’t just oil the blade. Oiling the pivot point (albeit sparingly) will not only keep it limber, but will prevent it from seizing as a result of rust or corrosion. 

Beyond that, there aren’t many special notes you need to care for a Great Eastern Cutlery knife. That will more or less do it.

Want to Explore a Catalog That Contains Great Eastern Cutlery?

Want to add a Great Eastern Cutlery knife to your collection? Check out The Knife Connection. They carry these and a wide variety of other traditional pattern pocket knives. Visit their website and if you have any questions about knife patterns or knife care before you buy, get in touch with them.

For more information about Winkler Axe and Stroup Knives Please visit: The Knife Connection.