Care and feeding of CV steel

M

mwebb524

Joined
Mar 1, 2009
Messages
24
Hello, this is my first post to this forum, although I have been poking around and reading for a while. I particularly enjoy the "jackknife's tales" thread. Today I bought my first Case (although not my first slipjoint), a muskrat in chestnut bone with chrome vanadium steel. I know the CV needs a little more TLC than other steels, but am wondering exactly what I need to do to maintain it.
1. I've heard to keep a thin film of oil on the blades. How do I do this?
2. Will WD40 or 5W30 work, or do I need to buy something else?
3. How do I keep the blade oiled without oiling my pocket?
4. What is the correct way to strop a blade?

My new knife is absolutely gorgeous, and I look forward to using it much.
 
and congrats! on the new slipjoint
use a soft cloth and wipe the oil on the blade, just lightly dont need much.
i use mineral oil cause its food safe :thumbup:
the right amount wont oil up your pockets, too much and ya got grease pocket:)
a thin layer- should be noticeable but not dripping or flinging oil everytime ya open it
CV is great but it will patina, doesnt bother me i love the look but some people really dont like it so keep the blade clean and you will probably need to polish it occasionally, metal glo, simichrome or the like...
cheers
ivan
 
:thumbup: to what IVANKERLEY said. I use mineral oil (butcher block oil) on mine, as it doesn't leave any nasty residue on food, if I happen to use the knife for that.

Good job buying that Case. There will bothers, I'm sure. Many, MANY others . . . :D

thx - cpr
 
I've never oiled CV blades and never had any problem. Just keep them wiped dry and clean and you should be fine, unless you have especially acidic sweat.

I do keep a drop of oil in the joints. Use a pin or needle to apply mineral oil to the joint. You shouldn't even have excess to wipe off.

As for stropping, do a search on "strop" in the "maintenance" sub-forum and you'll have more good info than you can read.

Welcome to Traditionals! :thumbup::)
 
The more you carry and use the knife,the better it stays.A quick wipe-down and tiny amount of oil on the joints from time to time and that's it!

On the other hand, knives that don't get much use can lose lustre on the handles and might over time get pits etc,solution:get 'em out.
 
Hi,

The only thing I oil is the joint, and that sparingly. I do how ever, wipe and dry the blade after every use. I've never had one rust yet. But the few I have are regular users. And a blade that gets used, tends not to rust.

dalee
 
Thanks for all the quick replies! I don't mind a patina on the blade, just don't want rust. I do use my knife (whichever I'm carrying) on a daily basis, mostly for food. I appreciate the tip on mineral oil. Will vegetable oil work too? For all I know it's the same thing, my wife's the cook. :o
 
I wouldn't use veggie oil, because it can go rancid. I've never had that problem with mineral oil.
 
+1 on the mineral oil. You can get a big bottle at the pharmacy or grocery store for just a few bucks. I just keep the blades clean and oil the joint.
 
I've used olive oil on my blades(not pivots), it will work for preventing rust but it's not ideal.
 
I forget to oil mine sometimes, and I have a finger print or two. I polish it back with Flitz, then oil. Patina is great for some, but I like my CV shiny. It is just my compulsiveness.
 
mwebb524 said:
I bought my first Case (although not my first slipjoint), a muskrat in chestnut bone with chrome vanadium steel. I know the CV needs a little more TLC than other steels, but am wondering exactly what I need to do to maintain it.
1. I've heard to keep a thin film of oil on the blades. How do I do this?
2. Will WD40 or 5W30 work, or do I need to buy something else?
3. How do I keep the blade oiled without oiling my pocket?
Click to expand...

Nice knife. :thumbup: I think the "keep oil on the blades" thing is totally over-done. I don't keep any oil on my carbon blades and never have, unless they're going into storage for awhile. I think it's more important to keep 'em clean and dry. I do that, and never have a problem with rust (remember, patina is not rust). You do want to drop a bit of oil on the joints from time to time, but you'll want to do that with any folder. And wipe some mineral oil on the bone handles approximately once every 15 years.
 
I oil mine with a non toxic oil or mineral oil and then just keep using for everything I like to use a knife for including food prep.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top