Does the Matsato need a lot of oiling for the handle?

I’ve had mine for about two months now and I don’t oil the handle at all. It still looks the same as the day I got it. Beech wood is pretty forgiving, it’s not like some fancy hardwood that dries out and cracks if you look at it wrong. I just make sure to wipe it down after washing and let it dry completely before putting it away.

I think if you were leaving it soaking wet or running it through the dishwasher, you’d have a problem. But normal kitchen use? I’d say just leave it alone. If it ever starts feeling rough or looking dull, then maybe a little mineral oil would be a nice touch, but I wouldn’t do it on any kind of schedule. Honestly, the blade is the part that needs attention, not the handle.

If you’re not into maintenance, I’d say just leave it. Beech is pretty forgiving for a kitchen knife handle. I’ve seen people treat theirs way rougher than I treat mine and they’re fine, so I don’t think it’s worth buying a bottle of oil just for that. Unless you’re leaving it soaking wet all the time, it’s probably a non-issue.

Mine gets used most days and I’ve never oiled it, not once. The wood still feels fine, no cracks or anything. I just make sure it dries properly after washing and that’s it. If it ever starts looking rough I might bother, but so far it’s been a non-issue for me.

I kind of get why people don’t bother, but I do mine every couple of months just because I like the way it looks when it’s got a bit of a sheen to it. Not saying it needs it, but beech can dry out eventually and start feeling a little rough in the hand. I just wipe it down with some mineral oil on a cloth, leave it for a bit, and wipe off the excess. Takes like two minutes.

If you’re happy with how it feels and looks, I wouldn’t force it. It’s not like the knife stops working if you skip it. I just think it’s one of those things where a tiny bit of effort keeps it from ever becoming an issue. But honestly, unless you’re soaking it or leaving it in the sink, I doubt you’ll notice much difference either way.

Oiling is one of those things I always mean to do and never actually get around to. Mine has been going for about four months now and the handle is still holding up okay, just a bit duller where my hand sits. I figure if it ever starts feeling rough or looks really dry I’ll deal with it then, but so far it hasn’t been an issue for me.

I gave mine a light wipe with food-safe mineral oil once when I first got it, more out of habit than anything. Since then I’ve just let it be and it’s totally fine. The wood gets a bit of a patina where you grip it, but that’s about it.

I just wipe mine down after use and that’s about it. Beech wood isn’t like some fancy handle that’s going to crack if you look at it wrong. I’ve had mine for around six months and it still feels solid, just looks slightly worn in. If you’re not fussy about the finish, I’d say skip the oiling routine.