Beeswax on carbon steel

[steampunk]

Can 100% beeswax be used on carbon specifically O1 tool steel, to prevent rust? If so, does it need to be melted first and the blade wiped, or can it just be rubbed on? Thanks in advance..

 

[JDWARE]

Short term, maybe. Natural waxes degrade / breakdown over time forming acids that can etch the blade. Renaissance Wax (brand name) is a synthetic wax used by conservators for iron and steel, and doesn't breakdown. Mineral oil (or baby oil) works well too.
J

 

[HoosierQ]

You could heat the blade up with boiling or near hot water and then rub it in. Boiling water is way hot enough to melt beeswax but won't damage temper.

 

[Omega Leather Works]

I've heard of carvers doing it. Desiccant bags (or the Silica packets you get with shoes) are also a good idea for storage and they can be microwaved to refresh.

I'm looking at tackle boxes that have anti rust plastic on the interior too, but the one I bought didn't fit my knives. They can be found at sporting goods stores.

What are you doing specifically?

 

[steampunk]

Thanks for the replies. My wife bought me a couple of knives, the spyderco bushcraft, and the bhk spear point, both are O1. Seems like the more I oil;the faster red rust starts. Nothing serious but annoying all the same. I use the knives frequently and would like to store them, because of sentimental reasons.

 

[Omega Leather Works]

Wait... Are you going to use them frequently, or are you going to store them long term?

Do you use them with food at all?

 

[Omega Leather Works]

This may be of interest too.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1057567

 

[steampunk]

I use them now but would like to store them in the future.

 

[blame it on god]

Are you storing them in leather sheaths? If yes, Don't. Also looneybin's rust prevention thread should point you in the right direction.

 

[Omega Leather Works]

I agree about the leather. Even proper vegetable tanned leather will hold on to moisture.

For long term storage I'd put them losely in a storage box with the desiccants, after applying something like renaissance wax. I'm going by the recommendations of what I've seen here on this forum. I haven't actually had any issues with o1 myself. Mine is just keep clean, but they're used frequently so that may help, plus my environment is not particularly moist.

 

[Magnaminous_G]

For the field, the most effective thing is to just wipe dry immediately after use if possible and maybe then wipe down with a rag with mineral oil. For storage, TW25B grease.