Best way to prevent d2 from rusting?

[KyleMS11]

I have a few expensive knives on the way both with d2. This will be my first experience with d2. I know its not a stainless and can rust. I usually dont buy any steel that isnt stainless because i hate when my blades rust. But these 2 knives were must haves. Can anyone give me a few good tips on how to prevent rusting?

 

[Forgedfixedblade]

I have two knives in D2 and about once a week I put a good coat of Nu Finish synthetic car wax on the blades, (Orange bottle) let it sit for a few minutes and wipe off, so far after several months of having them, they look like the day I got them.

 

[flatblackcapo]

Use it....
Any oil will work. I hear Frog Lube is pretty good stuff. If you cut food with your knife make sure whatever you use is food safe. Also do not store it in the sheath.

 

[tchapman414]

I have had several D2 blades, and still have two, and none of them have ever even stained, let alone rusted. I apply no form of oil or rust inhibitor, aside from the normal lubricant I apply to the pivot. As long as it's kept dry and residue is cleaned off in a reasonable time, there's little issue to be had with it. D2 is more rust-resistant than is given credit.

 

[salmonkiller]

Froglube liquid

 

[The Aflac Duck]

Actually, D2 isn't a carbon steel, but it isn't a stainless steel either. It falls between the two categories.
I've never had an issue with rust on D2, it's pretty stain resistant. I wouldn't worry about it unless you're going deep sea diving with it.

If it makes you feel better, you can rub your fingers on the outside of your nose and rub those oils on the blade. I'm dead serious, it will help prevent rust. Or you can just use mineral oil

 

[cEdge]

Since D2 is nearly stainless, there is not much to worry about. A good food grade oil is a good place to start. Another option is giving it a patina, vinegar is an excellent choice

 

[shinyedges]

I agree, the d2 I've owned never stained or rusted and I never oiled the blade just normal oiling the pivot once in a blue moon. D2 is a semi stainless that doesn't require too much oiling.

I have had several D2 blades, and still have two, and none of them have ever even stained, let alone rusted. I apply no form of oil or rust inhibitor, aside from the normal lubricant I apply to the pivot. As long as it's kept dry and residue is cleaned off in a reasonable time, there's little issue to be had with it. D2 is more rust-resistant than is given credit.

 

[Bigfattyt]

I have two traditional folders in D2. One, with three high polished blades, and one with a belt satin.

Neither have shown any inclination to rust. Even after cutting fruit, meat, etc.

Neither has even taken any sort of patina.

I'd just use it and not worry about it.

I think that a bead blast/frosted finish might be more inclined to cause trouble.

Of course, I don't live on the ocean.

 

[FTR-14c]

If it makes you feel better, you can rub your fingers on the outside of your nose and rub those oils on the blade. I'm dead serious, it will help prevent rust. Or you can just use mineral oil

When I was young and my dad took me fishing, he would rub the male end of a two piece rod on the side of his nose before putting them together. The oils kept the rods from locking.
This was forty years ago, thanks for the memory, we lost him this year.

 

[ocnLogan]

When I was young and my dad took me fishing, he would rub the male end of a two piece rod on the side of his nose before putting them together. The oils kept the rods from locking.
This was forty years ago, thanks for the memory, we lost him this year.

Great trick, thanks for sharing . And sorry to hear about your father, sounds like a great guy.

Also, D2 is semi stainless, so I wouldn't be to worried about rust. Heck, the only times I've ever had 1095 rust on me is when it was put away wet/dirty, and I live close to the ocean. Just treat it half decent and you'll be fine.

 

[KyleMS11]

Sounds like il have nothing to worry about. Thanks for the responses.

 

[whateatsrabbits]

D2 is my favorite steel, I just let it patina naturally. Every now and then after some ruff use and getting put away dirty I'll get a few spots of rust that add to the patina once wiped away with some oil and a rag.

 

[EChoil]

I have two knives in D2 and about once a week I put a good coat of Nu Finish synthetic car wax on the blades, (Orange bottle) let it sit for a few minutes and wipe off, so far after several months of having them, they look like the day I got them.

Nu Finish ! :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:Thought I was the only one who knew that secret.

Orange bottle, you're using the 'polish' like me. The wax comes in a tin. The polish is better. Best stuff ever for the cars. I use it on my blades too.

 

[EChoil]

When I was young and my dad took me fishing, he would rub the male end of a two piece rod on the side of his nose before putting them together. The oils kept the rods from locking.
This was forty years ago, thanks for the memory, we lost him this year.

Not to pik, but because a lot of people might try this thought I'd just mention: technically I think that oil has to be from the bridge (top) of your nose to qualify. It has to come through cartilage to be nasal sebum, the substance that works like that. It will preserve steel edges. Not sure oil off the side of the nose will do it.

Maybe a doc or someone can confirm that. I'd like to be wrong.

 

[EChoil]

OP, you are overly concerned about D-2 rusting like many people who haven't used it. The rust rep is overblown for that steel and I don't know why. You will find it requires no special care other than what you as a good knife custodian would do anyway...a wipe down now and then. If it makes you feel better keep it oiled. You can use car polish if the blade isn't coated; or use it only on the edge.

Relax and enjoy the new knives. D-2 isn't an easy ruster. In a few years you'll look back and wonder what you were so concerned about. Looks like most of the others have had the same experience with it I have.

 

[TravisH]

Maybe a doc or someone can confirm that. I'd like to be wrong.

Google is your friend - Sebaceous Gland

All of the skin on the nose, and 99% of the body, contains sebaceous glands which secrete sebum, an oily/waxy substance to lubricate and protect the skin.

Just about anything that prevents air contact with steel will prevent rust - oil, wax, paint, etc. Since D2 is a 'semi-stainless', it doesn't take much. On my BK24 in D2, I put 2 drops of 3-In-1 oil, spread it with my fingers, then wipe off. Done.

 

[22-rimfire]

Just wipe it off periodically with a light oil (usually use RemOil) and you'll be fine if you use the knife(s). Until you use the knives, I wouldn't concern myself unless you are storing them in leather sheath. I like D2.

 

[Clanton]

If you are going to use them I say do nothing! I think they look great used. Here if a pic of my well used PM1

 

[EChoil]

Google is your friend - Sebaceous Gland

All of the skin on the nose, and 99% of the body, contains sebaceous glands which secrete sebum, an oily/waxy substance to lubricate and protect the skin.

Just about anything that prevents air contact with steel will prevent rust - oil, wax, paint, etc. Since D2 is a 'semi-stainless', it doesn't take much. On my BK24 in D2, I put 2 drops of 3-In-1 oil, spread it with my fingers, then wipe off. Done.

Not a doc are ya. Re-bond with your buddy Google and enter "nasal sebum.' You might even add, "as a rust preventative.'

That oil/sweat from 99% of your body will corrode your knife. Sweaters rust knives all the time. The substance I am referring to originates in an area as specific on the human body as the location of the fat that makes neatsfoot oil in cattle or the localized fat layer of the mink that produces mink oil. Unique oils to a given body.

Nasal sebum is such a unique 'oil,' produced by humans, that is sweat that has passed through cartilage. It's properties are said to act as a neutral barrier to rust in metal as well as an in-a-pinch metal lubricant. My understanding is that the only place it occurs is atop the bridge of the nose. I thought I would clarify "top" of the nose in my caveat above so people won't rust their knives.​

I still hope a doctor comes along.....and that I'm wrong and we can go full-nose to save our edges.