What is a Stonewashed Knife and how are they made?

Stonewashing a knife is a captivating process that not only enhances its appearance but also improves its durability. The stonewashed knives we sell such as the Okinawa or the stonewashed Mo-V set have all been through the following meticulous process:

Prepare for Acid Washing:

• The knife blades are washed thoroughly with soap and hot water to remove any residue.
• Soap acts as an alkali substance, neutralizing problematic compounds.
• The blades are air dried following washing.

Acid Washing:

• The blade is lowered into an acid solution (ferric chloride), for a variable amount of time depending on the colouration desired.
• The acid wash adds visual texture and depth to the blade’s surface.
• Steel wool is then used to rub down the surface of the steel.

Tumbling:

• For the stonewashed texture, the blade is inserted into a machine tumbler along with hundreds of ceramic stones.
• The tumbler rotates creating abrasions on the blades surface, mimicking natural wear.
• This step enhances the rugged appearance of the knife, leaving it with a unique finish.

What are the main advantages?

Stonewashing a knife primarily enhances its aesthetic appeal and durability rather than directly affecting its performance. Let’s break it down:

1. Durability and Resilience:
• Stonewashing doesn’t compromise the sharpness of the blade.
• The process creates a textured finish that helps hide scratches and surface marks.
• It can make the knife tougher in the long term.
• While it doesn’t make the blade indestructible, it does enhance resilience.
2. Texture and Appearance:
• The stonewashed finish adds character to the blade.
• It mimics the natural aging process, giving the knife a rugged, worn-in look.
• The textured surface also provides better grip, especially when handling the knife in slippery conditions.
3. Functionality:
• Stonewashing doesn’t directly impact cutting performance, edge retention, or sharpness.
• However, the improved durability and scratch concealment can indirectly contribute to maintaining the knife’s functionality over time.

In summary, stonewashing won’t turn an average knife into a high-performance tool, but it does make it more visually appealing and resilient. If you’re drawn to the aesthetics and want a blade that can handle wear and tear, stonewashing is a great choice!