Question about Storing Knives

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Forest fella

Full Member
Jul 2, 2008
2,943
223
Gloucestershire
Hi,I want to know the best way to store knives made from O1 Steel,As I have loads of Bushcraft knives,stored in my Cabinet,I have the sheath in one bag and the knives have a Paper Guard on them and are in a Separate bag from the sheaths,I thought this would be Good enough,But having just checked them,some of them have Rust spots.
The paper guards have sellotape on the outside of them,I wondered if this may cause the rust to form,as there is moisture in it.
Any help welcome
 
A thick oil/wax coating will do - if you use a thinner oil, it's a good idea to wrap the blade in wax paper too.
I wouldn't use sellotape just 'cause it'd leave that gummy stuff on the surface of the blade which would require cleaning before using, and I suppose it could trap moisture.. I'd use something like Lanolin, as it apparantly doesn't go rancid and is hypoallergenic, and non toxic. Getting a vinegar patina also helps significantly.
 
Trust me on the Renaissance Wax. It was developed in conjunction with the British Museum for just this purpose. To protect items (including blades) stored for long periods.
 
Trust me on the Renaissance Wax. It was developed in conjunction with the British Museum for just this purpose. To protect items (including blades) stored for long periods.

Ditto good stuff this not cheap but a little goes a very long way
 
I have the little sachets of silica gel in the cabinet already,So it looks like they don't do much,And just to clarify the sellotape isn't touching the blades,it's only on the outside of the paper sheath's.
Thanks for your help,I will be buying some Renaissance Wax,And whatever it cost's it will be worth it,As there's Thousands of Quids in that cabinet.
 
Ok guys,After your advice I've coated the Blades with the wax,and now could you tell me,What I have to do when I want to use one of the knives,ie do I just rub the wax off?
 
A gentle heatin' wi' a hairdryer or o'er the fire an' a wipe off wi' a rag:swordfigh gets the stuff off well. Been usin' 'Rwax' fer years on me katanas an' broadswords between shows.
 
My carving chisels are coated in camelia oil which keeps the rust at bay whilst they are being stored. You dont even have to worry about cleaning it off as it is food safe. Axminster and other tool shops sell it.
 

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