Clean residue from the blade after use and dry it thoroughly, including around the pivot. Keep your fingers clear of the cutting edge while cleaning.

Avoid abrasive cleaners or polishing compounds unless they have been recommended for your specific finish. They can change the surface appearance.

Scratches from use are different from corrosion, chips, or cracks. If you notice damage or are unsure about a mark, send clear photographs before attempting to remove it.

Identify the cutting-edge geometry before sharpening. A blade's primary grind does not necessarily tell you how its cutting edge is sharpened.

Preserve the existing edge geometry. Do not assume both sides should be sharpened equally, or use the clip position to identify the side to sharpen.

Recurves and tanto transitions need attention to preserve their shape. If you are uncertain about your knife, contact me with clear photographs of the blade and edge before sharpening or having someone else sharpen it.

Keep accessible areas around the pivot and lock free of lint and debris. Use a soft brush or cloth, keeping your fingers clear of the edge and blade path.

Opening and closing feel can vary between individual builds. A blade dropping shut freely is not, by itself, a measure of correct adjustment.

If the action becomes gritty, unusually stiff, or develops play, contact me before loosening the pivot or applying lubricant. The appropriate maintenance depends on the construction and the issue.

Wipe wood scales with a soft cloth. If a damp cloth is needed, use minimal moisture and dry the surface promptly.

Avoid soaking, prolonged dampness, and excessive heat. Different woods and surface treatments need different care, so ask before applying oils, waxes, or conditioners.

If a scale cracks, moves, or changes fit, contact me before attempting a repair.

Remove surface dirt with a soft cloth, lightly dampened when necessary, and dry afterward. Textured and polished surfaces may need different treatment.

Avoid abrasive pads and unapproved solvents. They can affect the texture, polish, resin, or adjacent finishes.

Contact me about chips, cracks, or loose scales before continuing to use the knife.

Use a clean, soft cloth for fingerprints and routine surface cleaning. Dry the parts after wiping with a lightly dampened cloth.

Anodized and heat-colored surfaces should not be treated like bare polished metal. Metal polish, abrasive pads, and sanding can alter or remove the finish.

Do not attempt to restore color with heat or chemical treatments. Contact me about marks or refinishing before working on the surface.

Contact me before disassembly or adjustment if you are unfamiliar with the construction of your knife. Small changes can affect centering, blade play, and lock engagement.

Do not force a screw that resists turning, bend the lock, or file its contact surfaces. Send photographs and describe the issue so I can advise on the next step.

If the knife has already been adjusted or taken apart, include that information when you get in touch.