Can a dry leather sheath really cause rust?

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auspx

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Aug 13, 2007
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I just read that you shouldn't keep a multitool in a leather sheath for a long period of time because it will cause the tool to rust. Obviously a wet leather sheath will rot and cause rust. But what about a dry sheath? Even if it's being stored in a cool, dry place?
Since I keep my multitool in a sheath all the time should I switch to nylon?
 
remember that leather is tanned with chemicals and retains some moisture. so it can aid in the rusting process.if it was really dry it would become quite stiff and probably crack. all that being said I store my powerlock in its leather sheath and my charge in its leather sheath and neither has any rust on them whatsoever. my A2 bark river T.U.S.K. rusted to beat hell after being in its sheath for 3 days. carbon steel vs stainless. so yes their is truth to leather causeing rust. clear as mudd i imagine.:thumbup:
 
I agree with Rackness. And there was a thread here before on the same subject. I live in a fairly tropical climate and any tools or knives left in their sheaths for any length of time will definitely rust.
 
Here in MI I haven't had a problem with leather causing rust. My Ka-Bar and Swisstool Spirit both get stored in their leather sheaths (the kabar for prolonged periods), my gerber multitool in nylon and becker necker in kydex. I've had the most corrosion problems with the gerber, but I suspect its the steel (low quality SS) more than the sheathing. I keep the becker and the kabar with a light coating of hoppes gun oil, which didnt help the gerber much; although NEVRDULL seems to be working better. The swisstool is an EDC when I bike-commute, and it'll get some prolink chain lube ever now and again (in the pivots), but extremely rarely (did it once).
 
I have kept my pre2004 Wave in its leather sheath and I've yet to have any form of rust on the tool. I have not performed any kind of extraordinary maintenance on it either. I would guess the consensus would be a well made leather sheath should not cause or speed up the oxidation.
 
Man my first 1991 PST has been with me in it's original leather sheath since I took it out of the box, I been under the rain, river crossing, and gets wet all the time and never rusted, I never did anything to dry the sheath and stills good.

Onces in a while spray it with WD-40 and a tooth brush you will be fine.
 
My original Leatherman from the mid 90's has always been stored in it's leather sheath. Rust has never been an issue. Like Tango44, a little wd40 when I think about it.
 
There may be a problem if you keep a multitool in a leather sheath for long periods of time without ever removing it. On theother hand, frequent use and light lubrication of the tool should keep it rust free.

I left a new Buck 110 inside its new leather sheath for a couple of years without removing it and the brass parts turned green.
 
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