care for 1095 blade?

M

mantashrimpman

Joined
May 30, 2009
Messages
17
how hard is it going to be to take care of a 1095 carbon steel blade. i ask because i finally found a fixed blade i like but i live in a tropical environment and often participate in activities around and in the ocean. what care tips should i know and use to keep my blade functional. i do not need it to be pristine and pretty just dependable.
 
I use paste wax to protect steel, old trick waterfowl hunters use to protect shotguns. It stays on and in place as opposed to oils. Keep applying it as needed.

Johnsons Paste wax, Ren Wax, Car Polish. If it will be heavy food-prep knife, you may want to keep to bees wax & carnuba formulas.
 
Aloha, I use Corrosion X on all my hunting/fishing gear. If your'e gonna be cutting food though, make sure you get it all off, or that ono grinds not going be so ono lol. For blades that I use to cut food with, I just use mineral oil (pure not baby scented kind) from Long's. It wipes off easy and no taste, but not as corrosion proof. Carbon will stain pretty easy, so I usually use a forced patina on them.....looks ok but definitely not bling bling like when new lol. Aloha, mk
 
Light surface rust/spotting never hurt anyone. 0000 or 000 steel wool will take care of it. The edge will degrade slightly faster from corrosion, but if you're using it a lot, it will hit the strop or stone frequently so no big deal there.

The knives I use most heavily are high carbon steels. 1095, CV, etc. I prefer them in everything except some of my one-handed folders. Modern folders just don't seem to look right without stainless.
 
Since you are going to use it. Go ahead and start putting a patina on it. Cut up some citrus and let the knife sit for a while or soak the blade in vinegar for a few minutes then wash it off and dry it.

I prefer carbon steels on my knives and a good patina actually will help protect it from rust. Couple that with the waxing and you should be good to go with minimal care (no more than what one would do with stainless in wiping the knife off and keeping it dry after use in a wet or humid environment.)

As far as mineral oil, you can find it in most pharmacies or drug stores.
 
Beeswax can be picked up at most craft supply stores. You may want to try fabric/sewing supply stores as well.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top