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Knife Sharpening
Gerber recommends frequent and light sharpening to ensure your blade is always sharp. A dull blade is more dangerous than a sharp one. Over sharpening can cause premature deterioration of the blade.
To sharpen a serrated knife edge, consider doing so with a round sharpener or a similar style stone. Lay the diamond shaft in the serration and file up and down in each serration along the entire blade. When sharpening of a serrated blade is sufficient, a burr can be felt on the flat, or reverse side of the knife blade (you can feel the burr with your fingernail.) This burr should be removed by rubbing that side of the knife with the Diamond Knife Sharpener with a circular motion. If no burr appears, then the angle was too small and the work on the grooves must be repeated using a larger angle.
Rust
Gerber products use a 100% high-grade stainless steel. Stainless steel is not completely resistant to rust but rather is corrosion resistant to rust. Corrosion can occur in the absence of proper maintenance. Your Gerber product should be cleaned, dried and re-oiled periodically to inhibit rust and corrosion; this is especially true in a damp or marine environment. If your Gerber product comes in contact with any substance that you are uncertain about, it is always a good idea to wash your blade off with tap water, dry it and apply a light coat of oil.
Fishing Gear
If your Gerber product comes into contact with saltwater you must flush it with tap water after each use and coat it with good quality lightweight oil occasionally. Salt water is extremely corrosive and will attack and destroy any type of steel.
Multi-Tools
Use high quality light oil on Multi-Tool implements from time to time. Prior to treatment, be sure to clean the product of debris and moisture. Your Multi-Plier can be rinsed in clear tap water to help remove most of the debris. If dirt or grime is found in the groves, handles, etc., use a small soft brush to help loosen the trapped particles. When the tool is sufficiently clean and dry, apply the oil. Stained areas can usually be buffed out using a polishing cloth or non-metallic scouring pad.
Any time you use a knife, always keep safety in mind, and please follow these basic knife safety rules.
You can find additional information regarding knife safety from the American Knife & Tool Institute.