Wet Knife On The Bench? Drip Drying? That's How Rust Happens.
Most people think knife damage happens while you're cutting. It doesn't. It happens after.
Sitting wet on the bench while you plate up. Left in the sink while you eat. Forgotten on the drying rack overnight.
High carbon steel doesn't forgive that. 20 minutes wet and you'll see orange spots. Leave it overnight and you're scrubbing rust off in the morning. Not fun.
The fix is almost stupidly simple. Every time you put the knife down, dry it. Chopping between ingredients? Quick wipe on a tea towel. Done for the night? Wash, dry, put it away. Three steps. Takes less time than reading this page.
One extra step if you want to go all in. After drying, run a bit of mineral oil along the blade. Creates a barrier between the steel and the air. Its what chefs do with their carbon steel and its why their knives still look mint after years of daily use.
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