Car wax to remove/seal/protect?

[Daniel Moore]

I was just responding to stainless/carbon thread when I found myself wondering if it would be advisable to use car wax or something similar on a carbon fixed blade to remove excess rusting and protect the blade as long as it wasn't meant for food preparation. Any thoughts, or products which might serve a similar purpose? A good sealer would be nice for times when you're caught in the rain and can't really keep it dry and oiled.

 

[ulua]

i 've been using 'the wax shops' super glaze' for years to clean and refurbish
blades and handles. it removes sticky tape residue with out abrasives, as well
as tar, rust etc. it has petroleum distilates in it that disolves the s_it right off of it. be careful of products that have abrasive compounds in them, as they will scratch polished surfaces. the ones that say clear coat safe should be ok...just try it on an test surface. mothers metal polish works also. both products wash off for kitchen knives.

 

[biogon]

I used some generic Carnauba wax for a while on my blades.

Found that it helped prevent fingerprints from sticking, but didn't do too much to prevent staining/rusting.

Switched to Ren Wax because it smelled nice... again, no fingerprints, still stained.

So far the only stuff I've used that really protects against corrosion that I've found is MD Labs' XF-7, but you really have to coat the blade.

I wouldn't use it for food prep afterward....

-j

 

[Bufford]

Try using a light coating of gun oil like you might already do with your firearms. During the warm humid weather it is a good idea to regularly check on carbon steel knives and periodically wipe them down with gun oil. Its minor maintenance and goes a long way to protect the finish. After using the knife give it a quick wipe with oil too. If this is impractical, use stainless steel knives for those times when its not possible to keep the carbon blades protected. Yes those carbon steel knives cut great, but they stain easily. too.

 

[DGG]

I just use Breakfree CLP, wiped all the excess off and have had knives stay corrosion resistent for over 25 years. You can get it at any gun store and it is not very expensive.

http://www.botac.com/breakfreeclp4.html


I have never waxed a knife although there is a museum grade product advertised called "Rennaisnce Wax".


http://www.knifeart.com/renaissancewax1.html

I have read good comments about it but have never used it.

I have used good furniture polish/wax on wooden handles successfully. And I have use leather conditioner on old Kabar style knives with leather disk handles.

 

[rev_jch]

I have never tried car wax before, but I have heard its not very effective. Now, I have heard that wax used on bowling alley floors works well, but I have not tried it. I do use renn. wax and it works very well, and lasts for years.

 

[yoda4561]

I've found a good carnuba wax quite effective for protecting knife blades. Mother's cleaner paste wax is my favorite, it's clear coat safe but does contain extremely fine abrasives, I usually use it as a final step when polishing brass to keep it from tarnishing.