care + feeding of carbon steels

N

nevarmore

Joined
Mar 20, 2003
Messages
196
I'm looking at some usable knives from a custom maker. The designs I like are in carbon steels. What will I need to do to keep them looking nice and working right?

I've been all stainless except for a generic Kukuri that gets a light coat of oil every few months. I could care less if it gets a but spotted.
 
I recommend using automotive type paste wax to my customers. Specifically I like Mother's Caranuba Cleaner/wax. It's a very inexpensive way to protect carbon/alloy steels from the elements, and daily use. I also have a couple of products in the shop that I purchased, which are called "Bullfrog" wax. It does the best job of any protectant I've tried, but it is a little more expensive than most folks want to go. I personally don't think it's too bad at $19 a pint for the protection it offers..........but then again I use it all the time.
 
Originally posted by Ed Caffrey
I recommend using automotive type paste wax to my customers. Specifically I like Mother's Caranuba Cleaner/wax. It's a very inexpensive way to protect carbon/alloy steels from the elements, and daily use. I also have a couple of products in the shop that I purchased, which are called "Bullfrog" wax. It does the best job of any protectant I've tried, but it is a little more expensive than most folks want to go. I personally don't think it's too bad at $19 a pint for the protection it offers..........but then again I use it all the time.
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If a $19 can will save a $100+ blade its worth it. Anything from Mothers will also see use on my car so no loss there either. Thanks.

Anyone else have any suggestions? The more the merrier.
 
I make mostly carbon steel working knives. Unfortunately, or fortunately, my knowledge about polishing compounds is pretty limited. Thats a philosophical standpoint since I am not phased by tarnish on a carbon steel blade. I find that for most touch up jobs the paste type metal polishes work very well. I use Autosol, that comes in a small tube. I have used the same tube for 2 years and it is not even 1/2 gone. This type actually has polishing compound so it will gradually make the surface more and more shiny.

In general use, I find it useful to just accept that the blade will tarnish. But there is no need to keep the blade completely oiled or coated with grease. The key is to keep the blade wiped clean and dry between use. I also find that a quick wiupe or even a quick strop of the edge between use not only keeps the edge keen but also ensures that the edge itself is clean. Having the highest surface area to volume of steel, the edge is the bit most likely to manifest corrosion if left unattended.

I personally find carbon steels no problem at all. I look at a tarnished blade and regard it as a good friend and a fine tool doing its job well. ;) Jason.
 
You may want to build a patina on the blade, do a search and you´ll find plenty of information on using mustard, potatoes, lemon juice, etc.

Once the patina is there the blade will resist rust a bit better, though it still needs care, and the edge is still fully exposed.

Three rules of knife care:

Keep it clean.

Keep it dry.

Keep it sharp.
 
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