Flying Steel knives are designed to optimize toughness, performance, aesthetics, comfort and value. The heat-treatment is tailored to provide a great deal of resilience at the expense of some hardness. The blade shape and tip geometry are carefully engineered to optimize penetration and rigidity. With care, the knives will last a lifetime.
Just as a cutting knife will dull and require resharpening, a throwing knife tip will wear and require maintenance. The steel is not stainless, and must be kept clean and lightly oiled to remain untarnished. Almost any kind of oil will do – mineral oil, 3-in-1 oil, gun oil, coconut oil, etc.
Expect the knife to show wear and damage on the tip, especially if the knife hits metal, masonry or stone. The knife is not indestructible and is designed to yield to extreme forces. This means that the knife tip may deform or fracture slightly when pushed toward failure. The buyer is encouraged to perform minor maintenance with a file, but is welcome to return Flying Steel items as outlined in the maintenance plan. When knives hit each other, expect to see minor dings and gouges. The buyer is encouraged to remove burrs with a file or sandpaper.