Care for Damascus Steel?

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ethanh100

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Jan 9, 2017
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I recently won an auction on eBay for a handmade Damascus steel blade and received and think it looks quite nice, and am very happy for the price. Now I want to keep it looking good and prevent any rust. I know that I shouldn't keep it in its leather sheath for storage, as it will dry off the oils and make it rust. However im not sure what other kinds of oils I should put on the knife to preserve it. The only oils i think I have currently is WD40, which id imagine is not good for this, and mineral spirits. I have heard of people using mineral oils, but not spirits so not sure if that would work. what kind of oil should I get. And how often would I have to apply the oils? It came pretty covered and I dried off the handle fully, and slightly dabbed the blade but left a good amount of oil on there, especially because I knew the sheath would absorb some at the start. Any other suggestions? Thanks!
Here is what I got: http://www.ebay.com/itm/272505376929?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
 
Quality Damascus doesn't require a lot of maintenance. A light coating of Camilla oil or mineral oil every so often will do. Personally, I wouldn't use WD40.
The oxidation resulting from the Damascus process actually resists rust to an extent. At least, more so than carbon steels.
 
Kevin Jones said:
Quality Damascus doesn't require a lot of maintenance. A light coating of Camilla oil or mineral oil every so often will do. Personally, I wouldn't use WD40.
The oxidation resulting from the Damascus process actually resists rust to an extent. At least, more so than carbon steels.
Click to expand...

Would Mineral spirits work in the same way that mineral oil does do you think? I mean they are a pretty similar substance. http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?109432-Mineral-Oil-VS-Mineral-Spirits
 
WD 40 IS mineral oil.
It will be fine. Put a drop or two on each side of the blade, and spread it with your finger.
 
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