Cleaning the Knife

• 1). Soak the entire knife, even the handle, in a lightweight lubrication oil for a day. Knife care websites also suggest using gun oil. This process will make the knife easier to open and close while helping to remove years of accumulated grime and dirt.
  
  
• 2). Open the knife and use steel wool to clean the blade. Make sure some oil remains on the blade while you're cleaning it.
  
  
• 3). Clean the knife handle with an old toothbrush or a cotton swab and with hot, soapy water.
  
  
• 4). Air dry the knife to ensure no further rust forms.
  
  

Sharpening the Knife

• 1). Place a small amount of sharpening oil on a heavy grit sharpening stone.
  
  
• 2). Inspect the knife blade. Hold it up to a bright light and look for any nicks or cuts in the blade's edge.
  
  
• 3). Rub the blade on the stone to smooth any nicks. Lay the blade on the stone with the edge pointed away from you. Tilt the blade at approximately a 30-degree angle.
  
  
• 4). Push the knife away from you against the stone. This is cutting a thin layer off the surface of the stone. Repeat this a few times.
  
  
• 5). Turn the knife over to the other side with the cutting edge facing you. Tilt the blade, again, to approximately a 30-degree angle. Pull the knife toward you while pressing the blade against the stone, simulating cutting a thin layer off the surface stone. Repeat this process a few times.