Carbon V Question

W

WorkForALiving

Joined
Dec 12, 2002
Messages
138
I just got a Cold Steel SRK with a Carbon V blade for a car-trunk survival pack. I understand that it will rust if it is not cared-for properly. In fact, it came with the cutting edge smothered in grease and a warning label that said not to store it in the sheath.

What is the best way to keep the SRK from rusting?
Is there a particular oil or grease that everyone uses?
Do I really have to keep it out of its sheath during storage? This seems like a royal pain because smaller-is-better in a survival pack.
Thanks for any advice.
 
If it is a leather sheath, then it is best kept out of the sheath. If it is kydex/concealex, i've never had any trouble keeping high carbon knives in those sheathes. I tend just to check mine occasionally and wipe down with CLP or Remoil(or any other oil i have around). If there's any slight rust, ultrafine 0000 steel wool with a few drops ofremoil tendsd to take care of it just fine
 
I keep mine in a leather sheath that has been sealed with SnowSeal wax so it won't absorb moisture to any significant degree. BreakFree CLP keeps rust at bay, no problem. The epoxy coating will protect all but the edge from rust.
 
You can by for sure store the knife in the sheath,if you have the concealex version. I can recomend the "Sentry Solutions Tuff Cloth" for protecting the blade against rust. It´s easy to apply,and it leaves a thin film of protecting coating on the blade. The SRK is also originaly coated with epoxy powder,so all that realy can rust,unless scratched coating,is the edge.The SRK is a real work horse,and it´s one of the best knives of it´s kind on the market!

Manowar
 
The sheath is NOT leather. It is plastic (Concealeth or something like that). I imagine that they are afraid that when you put the blade in the sheath the plastic will seal moisture inside and keep the blade wet. Just a guess.
 
I keep my BK9 in the car, too. I noticed the edge started to spot up a bit. I cleaned it up, and applied just some regular old mineral oil to it. It may not be the greatest protector, but it will do just fine when you don't have any specialty sprays or oils around.
 
Carbon steel will spot and tarnish if you start using it, IMHO, regardless of how well you look after it. The idea is cutting quality at the expense of all else, including anything cosmetic. Remember that tarnishing is harmless and to a degree, like blueing (which is controlled oxidation), the tarnishing colour that appears on a blade is actually self-limiting. I love those colours that indicate a WELL-USED AND LOVED carbon blade. The key is in preventing "excessive" damage.

I find that keeping the blade clean and dry between use is simple enough. I don't replace a knife in its sheath before first wiping it down. A scrap rag is all thats needed. I oil if not using for a long time and just wrap it in some dry clean tea towel in my knife drawer, separately from the sheath. Many woodworkers recommend Camelia oil which is what the Japanese use to coat their swords. It works very well and applies thinly.

Cheers. Jason.
 
Since this is going to be sitting in your car for extended periods of time, I'd suggest something that lasts a while. Perhaps a wax, or polymer car polish. Or some silicone, spray or grease.
 
I have a Cold Steel Master Hunter in Carbon V that I store in the sheath, and don't have any problems. The blade has a light patina, but I like that.

Of course, I live on the high plains where the humidity is low, so that might make a difference.
 
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