History & Culture
How to Care for Handcrafted Goods: Leather, Forged Knives & Textiles
Handcrafted items are not just products — they are the expression of human time, effort, skill, and love. At Yueh’s Choice, we believe that every artisan piece has a story, and that preserving these stories begins with proper care.
Whether you’ve fallen in love with a forged knife, a leather bag tanned the traditional way, or a handwoven linen tea towel, this guide is for you. Here’s how to care for your artisan treasures so they remain beautiful and functional — and can even be passed down through generations.
🔪 1. Forged Knives: The Ritual of Care for a Timeless Tool
A forged knife is both a practical tool and a piece of art. Each one is shaped by fire and hammer, and no two are exactly alike. Unlike mass-produced stainless knives, forged blades typically utilize high-carbon steel, which holds an edge beautifully but requires regular maintenance.
🔧 Why Handmade Knives Need More Attention
- They are not stainless. High-carbon steels can rust if not dried or oiled.
- They sharpen better. But you must maintain their edge to avoid aggressive regrinding.
- They age with you. The blade develops a patina — a natural darkening that protects the steel.
🛠 How to Care for Your Forged Knife
🌊 1. Wash by hand — always.
Never put a forged knife in the dishwasher. Instead:
- Wash with warm water and a drop of gentle soap.
- Avoid soaking.
- Rinse and dry immediately.
🧻 2. Dry thoroughly — moisture is your enemy.
Use a soft cloth to dry the entire blade, including the spine and handle junction. Don’t let it air-dry.
🪔 3. Oil the blade regularly
Apply a thin layer of mineral oil or camellia oil after cleaning. Especially important in humid climates like Taiwan.
🔪 4. Store properly
- Use a leather sheath, blade guard, or wooden box.
- Avoid storing in a drawer where the blade can be nicked.
- Keep in a dry place.
✂️ 5. Sharpen as needed
- For frequent use: hone weekly, sharpen monthly.
- Use a whetstone (1000–3000 grit for maintenance).
- Leather strops are excellent for finishing.
🧽 Dealing with Rust?
Make a paste of baking soda and water. Rub gently with a soft cloth or cork. Rinse, dry, and oil.
👛 2. Leather Goods: Nurturing a Living Material
Genuine leather, especially full-grain and vegetable-tanned leather, is a living material. It breathes, evolves, and reflects the life you share with it. With time, it forms a patina — a beautiful sheen from handling and exposure.
But to get there, it needs care.
🧐 Why Leather Needs Special Attention
- It is porous: absorbs oils, water, and dirt.
- It is photosensitive: direct sunlight can bleach or stiffen it.
- It dries out over time without proper nourishment.
🧴 How to Care for Artisan Leather Goods
1. Clean regularly, gently
- Use a soft, dry cloth to remove surface dust.
- For deeper cleaning, slightly damp cloth or special leather soap.
- Never soak or scrub leather.
2. Nourish every few months
Apply a natural leather balm or cream (without silicone or alcohol). Beeswax-based conditioners are excellent.
Frequency: Every 3–6 months depending on use and environment.
3. Protect from excess moisture
- If caught in rain, blot, do not rub, and let dry slowly.
- Never dry with a hairdryer or direct heat source.
4. Avoid direct sun or enclosed plastic
- Store in a fabric pouch or cotton dust bag.
- Leather needs to breathe — never wrap it in plastic.
5. Shape retention
For bags or wallets, stuff with tissue when storing long-term to preserve their form.
🧼 Removing Stains (Carefully)
- Oil or grease: Sprinkle cornstarch or terre de Sommières, let sit overnight, then brush off.
- Water marks: Dab the entire panel lightly with water, then dry evenly to avoid rings.
🧵 3. Artisan Textiles: Honor the Weave
From handwoven linen towels to embroidered cushions, textiles crafted by artisans use natural fibers and often skip chemical treatments. That means they feel better, last longer, and age beautifully — but they require delicate care.
🌿 Why Artisan Textiles Deserve Gentle Handling
- Natural fibers like linen, cotton, and wool are sensitive to heat and friction.
- Artisanal dyes may fade with harsh detergents.
- Handmade weaving or stitching can be loosened in rough washing cycles.
🧺 Best Practices for Washing
1. Read the label — if there is one
Some pieces may be pre-washed, while others are more fragile. When in doubt, wash by hand.
2. Use cold or lukewarm water (no more than 30°C)
- Wash separately at first — artisanal dyes may bleed.
- Avoid fabric softeners; they clog natural fibers.
- Use natural detergent or Marseille soap.
3. Air dry
- Avoid tumble dryers.
- Lay flat on a towel or hang away from direct sunlight.
- Linen gets softer over time without the need for softeners.
4. Iron only if needed
- Use the medium setting.
- Embrace the natural crinkle of linen — it’s part of its beauty.
🧼 Stain Removal Tips
- Red wine/juice: Sprinkle salt, then soak in cold water before washing.
- Grease: Use dish soap or talcum powder to absorb before washing.
🧳 Storage Advice
- Store in breathable cotton bags or on shelves.
- Add natural moth repellents like cedar blocks or lavender sachets.
🌍 4. The Deeper Meaning: Caring as a Cultural Act
Caring for handmade goods isn’t just about maintenance. It’s about mindset. In a world of fast fashion and disposable products, taking care of what you own becomes a form of resistance.
It is:
- 🕰 Respecting the artisan’s time
- 🌱 Choosing sustainability over overconsumption
- 🧠 Connecting emotionally to objects
- 📜 Transmitting heritage through everyday items
When you repair, clean, and protect these objects, you also tell their story — and yours.
🤝 5. Our Commitment at Yueh’s Choice
At Yueh’s Choice, we don’t just curate beautiful artisan goods from France — we guide you on how to preserve them.
We believe that true luxury lies in longevity. The real value of an object is not its brand or rarity, but the love and time you invest in it.
🧵 If you ever need help or advice regarding your purchase, feel free to contact us. We’re happy to offer personalized care tips for your items.
📦 We are also working on downloadable care guides you can keep near your wardrobe, kitchen, or shelf.
📚 FAQ: Artisan Product Care
Yes, but only if it’s a natural leather-safe spray (avoid silicone). Test on a small area first.
Not at all. That’s a patina, and it’s a good sign. It helps protect the blade from rust.
No — bleaching natural fibers damages them. Try lemon juice + baking soda instead.
Avoid it. Plastic traps moisture and can lead to mildew. Use fabric storage bags instead.
Every 1–3 months, depending on your environment. More often in humid or dry conditions.
🌟 Final Words: Love What You Own
Handcrafted objects aren’t meant to be perfect — they’re meant to be alive. They scratch, they age, they tell stories. But with care, they grow even more beautiful.
Next time you polish your knife, oil your bag, or air out your linen, know that you are participating in something larger: the culture of preservation. A quiet rebellion against the disposable.
Welcome to the world of objects made to last. And thank you for choosing them.
