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FAQ

How do I take care of my new Striped Dog Forge knife?

 

Unless otherwise stated, our blades are forged from high carbon steel. The upside of this material is that it provides the best of both worlds when it comes to durability and edge retention. The downside is that high carbon steel does have a predisposition to rust if not taken care of properly. Luckily, proper care is easy. Simply oil the blade with anything from olive oil to vegetable oil after each use or before storing the knife for an extended period of time. If you have CLP, that's even better.

How do I take care of my knife handle?

 

Care for your knife handle as you would any other handle for another tool made with organic materials. The handles are built to last, but weathering and discoloration are normal with hard use. Handles constructed from non-stabilized wood (natural wood that has not been vacuum-infused with resin) may experience some minor swelling or shrinking based on dramatic shifts in humidity. For stacked leather handles, we recommend refinishing with a wax-based compound periodically. Details on the exact materials used to construct each knife can be found on its product page, and specific instructions regarding each knife's care will be included in the packaging.

​How do I take care of my custom-made sheath?

 

Our sheaths are made with vegetable-tanned leather, dyed with Fiebings Pro-Dye, and finished with Fiebings Acrylic Resolene, so they are water-resistant and should not fade. While water-resistant, they are not waterproof, and water may stain the sheaths. If you plan to expose your sheath to the elements more than normal (say, on a fishing trip or backpacking in Colorado in March), then we recommend sealing the leather with a wax-based compound to repel water. Please be aware that using liquid sealants or finishes may discolor the sheaths.

What if a knife breaks?

Although highly unlikely, if your blade or handle breaks due to normal and proper use for a knife, just send your knife back to us and we will either fix it or replace it at no cost to you. Our goal is to create a tool that will serve its purpose faithfully day in and day out. However, if your blade breaks because of extreme actions (using it as a hammer, throwing it against a hard surface, shooting at it with a 45-70, being extremely negligent, or using the knife for something absurd that a knife should not be used for) well, then that's on you.

The stitching on my sheath is coming undone. What should I do?

 

Our policy for the sheaths is like our policy for the knives and handles; if your sheath has become damaged due to normal and proper use, just send it back and we will fix or replace it at no extra cost.

The brass on my knife handle is turning green. What should I do?
This is normal. The natural oils in vegetable-tanned leather can oxidize brass over time, and the green oxidization can easily be removed with your finger or a towel. Regular maintenance of your Striped Dog Forge knife will help prevent this from happening.

​Do you do commission work?

 

Kind of! For custom knives, we are currently fully booked on commissions and are not taking new requests. For leather products, however, we are currently open to custom requests. Email us at stripeddogforge@gmail.com or fill out our contact form if you have an idea or question about a custom leather good. Follow us on InstagramFacebook, or sign up for our e-newsletter to receive updates on new products.

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