Quartz is a hard, durable stone that is one of the best countertop materials around. However, like other natural stones it does scratch and stain if it’s not cared for properly.
To avoid stains and scratches on your quartz, use a mild soap and water solution daily to wipe your countertops down. Avoid harsh abrasive cleaners, pads or sponges that can permanently damage your countertops.
Handle
There are a few ways to make a quartz knife handle. Some are cheap and easy, others take a lot of time to create.
Some are made from a fiber called carbon fiber which is tightly woven and set in resin. This material is strong but brittle and can crack if subjected to sharp impacts.
Other handles are made from fiberglass reinforced nylon (FRN) which is a thermoplastic. This is a very inexpensive material and can be molded into many shapes and textured in numerous ways.
It’s also very lightweight and durable.
The only downside to these materials is that they can be difficult to work with and are not as versatile as other knife handle materials like wood or stone.
Some other popular choices are G-10, Micarta and phelonics which are all made from organic compounds. These are very lightweight, strong and look somewhat dressier than G-10. They are usually found on higher-end knives.
Blade
Quartz, one of the hardest materials in nature, has been incorporated into a wide variety of products. It is resistant to abrasion, scratches, and stains, making it an ideal choice for countertop material.
While it can be a challenging process to make a knife blade out of quartz, it is possible. The key is finding a piece of rock that is uniform in size, solid, and free of cracks, voids, or inclusions.
The best way to find this type of rock is to visit a local lapidary shop and ask for a sample of the type of material you wish to use. The lapidary shop will typically cut the rock into slabs.
Once the stone has been slabbed, a maker can trim and grind it into a handle. However, the process is difficult and requires a lot of time. Many makers are not willing to put in the work required to create a gemstone knife blade, so they choose to use other materials on their handles.
Sharpening
Sharpening is the process of removing material (usually metal) to produce a sharp edge on your knife. It can be done with just about any rock, but a quality sharpening stone is important because it will allow the metal to be removed quickly and efficiently so that the blade can be returned to use.
You can buy sharpening stones in a variety of materials. They can be made from synthetic ceramic particles, a combination of different ceramic powders or even diamond.
These can vary in grit level and are usually either dry or lubricated with water. You should read the instructions that came with your stone to find out how to properly use it and whether or not you need to soak it in water before using it.
The best sharpening stone is the one that is made from natural materials. There are two main natural stones that work very well: Novaculite and Coticule.
Storage
Quartz is a very hardy and durable countertop material. It’s a great choice for high traffic areas like kitchen countertops, but you do need to take care of it. A high quality, commercial grade cleaner is the key to keeping your quartz shine shining. Avoid harsh cleaning solvents and you might be surprised to learn you don’t have to scrub if you use the right products. Besides the obvious abrasives and a good buff, there are a few other ways to keep your quartz top-notch. The most important is to keep it clean and dry. This will prevent microorganisms from settling in and causing damage. Taking regular polishing steps such as monthly buffing and periodic waxing will also help maintain your quartz’s shine and keep it looking new.