Knife Safety and Maintenance

At Emerson Knives, safety isn’t just a priority—it’s a necessity. Proper care and maintenance are vital to ensuring your knife performs at its best, whether using it in a tactical situation or for daily tasks. A well-maintained knife not only works better but also keeps you protected.  

Knife Safety Tips

Handling your knife with care is essential to prevent accidents. Always be aware of your surroundings and ensure a safe distance from others when using the blade. Before making any cuts, ensure your hands are clear of the blade path, and always cut away from your body to avoid injury. Never misuse your knife for tasks like prying; doing so can weaken the blade or cause unintended accidents. When you’re finished, fold your knife carefully, ensuring your fingers are clear of the closing blade, and store it securely. Safe storage is as necessary as safe handling.  

Maintenance: Clean, Oil, and Protect

Routine maintenance is critical to keeping your Emerson knife in top condition. After each use, clean the blade to remove dirt, debris, and liquids, which can lead to rust or corrosion. Pay close attention to the pivot points on folding knives, ensuring they’re free from buildup. A light application of oil on the blade and pivots will keep everything running smoothly, protecting against friction and corrosion. If your knife is exposed to a marine environment, we recommend rinsing with fresh water and air drying before storage. Reapplication of a corrosion preventive oil may also be applied at this time.  The easiest way is to rinse the knife in clean fresh water after marine or chemical exposure. Make sure to dry your knife completely after rinsing. Compressed air is useful in blowing out dust and dirt from the inner parts of the knife. If you are going to be storing your knife for long periods of time, be sure to coat the blade and pivot area in light oil to keep in working shape. You can oil the blade and the pivot area from time to time with any good, light oil such as WD-40. If the knife becomes encrusted with dirt or sand, it can be completely disassembled and cleaned out thoroughly. Cleaning Light Colored Handles: Dish soap and water or Simple Green with a toothbrush. If you take your knife apart we do recommend that you use a small drop (the size of a pinhead) Low or Medium strength LocTite on the threads of the pivot screw.  

Sharpening: Keeping Your Edge

A sharp knife is a safe knife. Regular sharpening reduces the force needed to make cuts, minimizing the risk of slips and injury.  For at home sharpening, we have instructions here. We don’t have a specific angle to recommend since each model is different. We do not recommend any sort of sharpening system that has a fixed angle.  If sharpening by hand, you do not need a specific angle. For serrated blades, each tooth must be sharpened individually using a tapered rod to maintain the factory bevel. Precision and consistency are key to keeping your serrated edge performing at its best. We always recommend sending your knife to us for a factory sharpened edge.  

Conclusion

Maintaining your Emerson knife isn’t just about keeping it sharp—it’s about ensuring it’s ready for action when needed. By following these safety and maintenance guidelines, your Emerson knife will stay reliable, durable, and prepared for any challenge that comes your way. Take care of your blade, and it will take care of you.