White Handle Knives

[tillmouth]

I have white handle knives made of something natural (bone?) which should not be put in water. Some of them are looking slightly 'dry' through my husband washing them in detergent when I'm not in.

How do I keep them looking good?

[shaneystar2]

I don't really have an answer but I have a whole load of these type of knives which belonged to my Mother. Some have a white handle and others a yellowish handle .My husband put some of them in the dishwasher and they have gone all dry and cracked..I think you are supposed to wash them in a mild soapy solution(Fairy Liquid?) and never let them soak.
Not a lot of help..perhaps someone may come up with a better answer !

[Robert G]

The handles could be ivory. I believe they should be treated gently as already indicated, which means never wash them in a dishwasher!

[sense4all]

I have some of these too,circa 1930 s, I knew that they should not go in the dishwasher but was lead to believe it was more to do with the glues,to attatch them to the blade, than the handles themselves. My neighbour has a very, very fancy antique piano (wish I did ) and to condition the proper ivory keys they wipe them over with a milk soaked cotton wool pad ,that has been squeezed out. I know not the scientific reasoning but this appears to do the trick.

[irishlyn]

I have some too, the handles are made of bone and should never be steeped or put in the dishwasher, just supposed to have a quick soapy wash, having said that ive been lazy lately and put them in the dishwasher and theyre ruined.

[dilligaf]

Don't make your husband wash up.

[shaneystar2]

Dilligaf........My husband thinks I am not capable or logical enough to load a dishwasher and guards the wretched thing with his life ! Hence my wrecked knives.

[BobbyBobBob]

Sunlight is good for the yellowed ones.

[tillmouth]

thankyou to everyone who replied. It looks like I won't ruin them with a quick wash and I'll give the milk and cottonwoo a try.

Tillmouth