Shop Made 5.75" Heavy Cleaver Carbon Steel Micarta Handle 1940s 50s?

This is a carbon steel knife. Carbon steel is expected to develop a dark patina with use. It needs to be hand washed and towel dried soon after use. Do not air dry. Do not put it in the dishwasher. Long exposure to moisture and debris will result in rust. Any rust development should be removed with a light abrasive.

Use on a quality wooden cutting board will help the knife stay sharper for longer. Use on hard surfaces like plates and bamboo will reduce the edge life and can result in edge damage.

We recommend hand sharpening on whetstones. We have found that most western knives perform best with a medium finish starting around 1000 grit. Avoid pull through sharpeners and non-water cooled mechanized sharpening. Steel honing rods work well with this knife.