Bolster discoloration?

[Praxis]

Hadn't used my custom 110 with nickel bolsters for a couple weeks. Had it stored in its sheath. When I got it out the other day I noticed that the bolsters had become discolored. Looked like a tan patina. Came off fine with a little metal polish.

Anyone else encountered this?

I suppose the obvious solution is not to store it in the sheath.

Anyone have any other suggestions how to prevent this from happening again?

Thanks
Ben

 

[Buckcustom]

Ben,

Mothers Mag & Aluminum Polish works great as a polish and a preventive. It has no abrasives in it, so it won't scratch at all.

 

[bubbala1]

I bought a brand new 110 100th anniv. ed. Had it in my pocket for 1 day and the bolsters were discolored

 

[Thomas J Ekman]

I think the discoloration is unevitable, whether you store the knife in its sheath or not. It is simply metal oxide, which can be removed by metal polish, such as AutoSol.

 

[Warhawk]

Yep, brass and nickle silver both will tarnish rather quickly, especially when exposed to the oils from your skin. Also, it is never a good idea to store a knife in it's leather sheath...the chemicals used to tan the leather will eventually turn the brass green and leave a fine etching on it from the corrosion.

Flitz works great on my knife handles, and if you polish them just before storage, apply some car wax to the brass and the brass and nickle silver will retain that shine much longer than unprotected metal would.