Clean Blade Residue
After use, immediately clean the blade of grass clippings and sap, just like washing dishes after a meal. Wipe with a damp cloth and a soft-bristled brush; stubborn stains can be treated with a neutral detergent. Always operate with the power off to avoid cutting your fingers. Allow to dry completely before storing to prevent rust.
Consider Damage Inspection
Perform a monthly "check-up": observe for blade deformation and check the tightness of the fixing bolts. Replace the blade if a nick or chipped edge exceeds 3 mm. A balance test is simple-hang the blade on a nail with the center hole; a severely unbalanced blade will tilt noticeably.
Professional Sharpening Techniques
Use a flat file to sharpen the blade in one direction along the original angle, removing no more than 0.5 mm at a time. Keep the number of sharpening passes on both sides the same, like wearing socks of equal thickness on both feet. After sharpening, apply rust-preventative oil, and remember to tighten the bolts in a crisscross pattern when reassembling.
