carbon steel and acidic skin???

[bdws1975]

Hi all,

I was wondering if there are any folks in here who have real acidic skin who have learned how to keep their carbon steel pocket knives in good order?

I have been hearing a lot lately about how certain skin types just can't carry a carbon steel pocket knife because it will turn in a matter of hours.

Any light to shed on the subject? I love carbon steel pocket knives but seem to have really corrosive sweat and have a hard time keeping my blades in good shape.

Thank you,
Brett

 

[Blues]

Let's move this to a more appropriate venue.

And while I'm at it, if you aren't using it for food, Tuf-Cloth (Marine Tuf-Cloth) and Tuf-Glide are pretty good for your situation.

 

[bdws1975]

Let's move this to a more appropriate venue.

And while I'm at it, if you aren't using it for food, Tuf-Cloth (Marine Tuf-Cloth) and Tuf-Glide are pretty good for your situation.

Thanks Blues. Sorry for the misplacement.

Actually, I do use it for food. I also use it for wood, etc. I have a tuffcloth and use them quite a bit. Any foodsafe magic bullets??

thanks again,
Brett

 

[JatMat]

Hi all,

I was wondering if there are any folks in here who have real acidic skin who have learned how to keep their carbon steel pocket knives in good order?

I have been hearing a lot lately about how certain skin types just can't carry a carbon steel pocket knife because it will turn in a matter of hours.

Any light to shed on the subject? I love carbon steel pocket knives but seem to have really corrosive sweat and have a hard time keeping my blades in good shape.

Thank you,
Brett

Wish I could help you, but I have another of the same type problem, My skin is so oily that I never have to oil up my EDC's they just stay in good shape just by rubbing them down, even coats them after I shave arm hair and hit them on the strop again.
Jim

 

[bdws1975]

Wish I could help you, but I have another of the same type problem, My skin is so oily that I never have to oil up my EDC's they just stay in good shape just by rubbing them down, even coats them after I shave arm hair and hit them on the strop again.
Jim

well, you are no help...

Heck, I can't even wear watches with electroplating on them. It rubs off on my skin in no time.
I DON'T want to stop carrying carbon steel as I really love it. Maybe I have no choice.

Thanks James!
Brett

 

[Blues]

Thanks Blues. Sorry for the misplacement.

Actually, I do use it for food. I also use it for wood, etc. I have a tuffcloth and use them quite a bit. Any foodsafe magic bullets??

thanks again,
Brett

Brett,

I use mineral oil a lot for my blades. (The pharmaceutical type you can get in the discount stores or druggists.)

This works great if you can keep a thin layer on the blade fairly regularly.

Also, Ed Fowler used to suggest (in a pinch) using the natural oil from your forehead or around your nose to rub along the blade to keep it oxidation free in the absence of something more suitable.

 

[bdws1975]

Brett,

I use mineral oil a lot for my blades. (The pharmaceutical type you can get in the discount stores or druggists.)

This works great if you can keep a thin layer on the blade fairly regularly.

Also, Ed Fowler used to suggest (in a pinch) using the natural oil from your forehead or around your nose to rub along the blade to keep it oxidation free in the absence of something more suitable.

Thanks Blues. Will baby oil work as well as mineral oil?

I had read about Fowler's nose oil and ear wax thing. Good idea. The added benefit is that NO ONE will ever ask to use your knife...

Thanks,
Brett

 

[Blues]

Brett,

Baby oil is essentially mineral oil with fragrance and other additives. I'd stay away from it if it's going to contact foodstuff.

Pharmaceutical mineral oil is dirt cheap and a pint will last a long time.

 

[bdws1975]

Brett,

Baby oil is essentially mineral oil with fragrance and other additives. I'd stay away from it if it's going to contact foodstuff.

Pharmaceutical mineral oil is dirt cheap and a pint will last a long time.

DUH!!! I can't believe I didn't think about that. :foot::foot:

Thanks for the slap to the back of the head...LOL

Brett

 

[Zeasor]

Brett,

Baby oil is essentially mineral oil with fragrance and other additives. I'd stay away from it if it's going to contact foodstuff.

Pharmaceutical mineral oil is dirt cheap and a pint will last a long time.

You can make a food-safe wax, paste or cream by mixing beeswax and mineral oil. Heat a small amount of oil and melt a tiny bit of wax. It congeals as it cools. Adjust consistancy to suit your purpose. A soft waxy consistancy is perfect for treating wooden handles, spoons, cutting boards, etc.

 

[DutchV]

I use a thin coat of plain old Turtle wax on blued guns, and it seems to help a lot.

 

[JNewell]

You're saying "acid" and I recognize the phenomenon, but I have always guessed that the real culprit was more likely a higher % of salt coming to the skin surface as moisture leaves the skin (which happens even when you're not noticeably sweating). I could be wrong...