Big Lou Brass Bolster Damage

[DeadEyeDeadly]

New member here & 1st post. I dug out from under the bed a Big Lou folding knife made by Parker Cutlery. It had been there in it's leather sheath for over 40 years.
When I removed it from the sheath, there was heavy green oxidation on the brass bolsters. I guess this was caused by the stuff used to tan/color the leather? I scrapped
most of it off with my thumbnail, and could see that it was pitted. I used 1,000 grit wet sandpaper & very fine steel wool to remove most of the pitting, but one area
is still ugly, and might require a fine file to fix. Anyone else have this problem? I ordered a nylon sheath, as I plan on using this knife for EDC (Every Day Carry)..

 

[jbmonkey]

yes. I try not to keep brass bolstered or even nickel silver ones in leather sheaths for long term storage. the green corrosion is called verdigris. most time I can just wipe it away and repolish the brass. I haven't had it happen yet where it created deep pits.

I've tried in the past waxes and silicone products to slow the corrosion with leather and it helped a bit, but didn't stop it.

some folks have wrapped the knives in saran wrap to keep with the proper sheath. problem there is capturing moisture though and too much wrap and might stretch out a good fitting sheath. easiest solution is a nylon sheath like you're doing.

oh and welcome, btw....

 

[DeadEyeDeadly]

yes. I try not to keep brass bolstered or even nickel silver ones in leather sheaths for long term storage. the green corrosion is called verdigris. most time I can just wipe it away and repolish the brass. I haven't had it happen yet where it created deep pits.

I've tried in the past waxes and silicone products to slow the corrosion with leather and it helped a bit, but didn't stop it.

some folks have wrapped the knives in saran wrap to keep with the proper sheath. problem there is capturing moisture though and too much wrap and might stretch out a good fitting sheath. easiest solution is a nylon sheath like you're doing.

oh and welcome, btw....

Thanks for the info on Verdigris & the Welcome.