Knife Care & Maintenance Guide

A Knives of Alaska tool is a lifetime investment. Whether you own the legendary Alpha Wolf or a professional Steelheader Fillet Knife , proper maintenance ensures your blade remains a reliable companion in the field for generations.

Our knives are used by professional guides in the harshest environments on Earth. Here is how to keep yours in peak condition.

1. Understanding Your Steel

We primarily use D2 Tool Steel for its incredible edge retention and toughness. While D2 is highly resistant to wear, it is a “semi-stainless” steel. This means it requires slightly more care than standard stainless steel to prevent surface oxidation.

  • Keep it Dry: After use, especially in wet or humid conditions, wipe the blade dry immediately.

  • The “Patina”: Over time, D2 may develop a dark “patina.” This is normal and actually provides a layer of protection against deep rust.

2. Cleaning After the Hunt

Blood, salt water, and acidic fruit juices are the primary enemies of high-quality steel.

  • Hand Wash Only: Never put your Knives of Alaska products in a dishwasher. The high heat and harsh detergents can damage the heat treatment of the steel and ruin the Suregrip handles.

  • Mild Soap: Use warm water and mild dish soap to clean the blade and handle. Use a soft brush for the jimping (thumb grooves) to remove any debris.

  • Dry Completely: Use a clean, soft cloth to dry the knife thoroughly before placing it back in the sheath.

3. Lubrication & Storage

  • Long-term Storage: If you aren’t planning to use your knife for several months, apply a thin coat of food-grade mineral oil or a high-quality gun oil to the blade.

  • Sheath Care: Do not store your knife in its leather sheath for long periods of time. Leather can trap moisture and contains tannins that may cause the steel to pit or rust. Store the knife and sheath separately in a dry environment.

4. Sharpening Your Edge

Knives of Alaska blades feature a specialized 18-20 degree convex edge . Because our steel is hardened to a high Rockwell (HRC), we recommend specific sharpening tools:

  • Touch-Ups: Use a Ceramic or Diamond Rod for frequent touch-ups. A few strokes after every field dressing will keep the edge razor-sharp.

  • Major Sharpening: If the blade becomes dull, we recommend using a Diamond-Coated Sharpener .

  • Pro Tip: Avoid high-speed electric grinders. They generate heat that can ruin the “temper” (hardness) of the steel, making it brittle or soft.

5. Handle & Sheath Maintenance

  • Suregrip® Handles: These are designed to stay tacky when wet. If they become slick, wash them with warm soapy water to remove oils and dirt.

  • Leather Sheaths: Occasionally treat your leather sheath with a high-quality leather conditioner or mink oil to keep the leather supple and water-resistant.

Professional Factory Service

Is your blade too dull to fix at home? We offer a Professional Factory Sharpening Service at our Denison, Texas facility. For a small fee to cover shipping and handling, our master bladesmiths will restore your 18-20 degree factory edge.

Ship your knives to: Knives of Alaska Maintenance Dept.

3100 Airport Drive

Denison, TX 75020