Our Original knives have a handle of wenge, a dark hardwood. Our magnet strip and magnet block are wooden too, and your cutting board may be as well. Wood asks one thing of you: a bit of oil now and then. Here is why, when, which oil and how.
Got TwinSteel knives? Their handles are made of POM, a tough synthetic. They need no oil. This guide is for the wood in your kitchen.
The why
Why wood needs oil
Wood slowly dries out over time. Wenge is rich in natural oils, so it takes a while before you see any wear. But in the end, any wood can dry out so far that it cracks.
Oil stops that from happening. It also brings out the grain, so the wood looks better too.
The when
When to oil
Go by eye. If the wood looks dull or dry, it is time. As a rule of thumb: about once a month in the first year, then a few times a year after that.
The same goes for the magnet strip, the magnet block and wooden cutting boards. For boards, always use a food-safe oil that does not harden.
Don't oil: wood with a layer of paint or lacquer. The oil can't get in.
The oil
Which oil to use
It comes down to what you can find. These all work, with a few trade-offs.
Mineral oil (our pick)
Cheap and easy to find (IKEA sells it, for example). No smell, no taste, food-safe. It does not harden, so it leaves no sticky film. Good for boards too.
Cutting board oil
Sold online. Mostly a blend of food-safe oils that don't harden. Fine for handles and boards, just a bit pricier.
Almond oil
Food-safe and does not harden. But nut oils can cause a reaction in people with a nut allergy, so we don't recommend it.
Boiled linseed oil
A classic with woodworkers. It hardens into a nice patina. Not for cutting boards. Wipe off every bit of excess, or it sets into a lacquer-like layer.
The how
How to apply it
1
Rub it in
Put some oil on an old cloth and rub it into the handle, strip, block or board.
2
Let it soak
Give the wood about an hour to soak up the oil. Longer does no harm.
3
Wipe off the excess
Use a dry cloth to take off any oil left on the surface.
4
Repeat if needed
Has the wood soaked up everything and still feels dry? Do it again.
With mineral oil you can use the knife straight away. Hardening oils need a day to set.
A common question
Why not just use cooking oil?
In a pinch, any oil is better than none. But cooking oil can make your handle or board feel tacky, and over time it can start to smell rancid. So we don't recommend it.
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