Hey guys so I just received a Stubby Muk from Fiddleback Forge it is 1/8" A2 steel with a burl handle. I want to make sure that this knife lasts a lifetime so I was hoping you could give me some pointers on keeping this knife if mint condition. I know A2 takes some different care techniques than other steels and I don't know much about it. Also to keep the handle in good condition as well. If you need to know more about the knife or if I left something out that would change the way I take care of it tell me and I'll try to add to the post. Thanks for any help you can give.
Is this knife going to be a user or a show piece?
I know it is likely to be a great looking knife, but it is also a fantastic performer.
If you are going to use it, you might want to keep a few things handy.
With the knife being fairly reactive, you will want some form of corrosion inhibitor while not in use.
- While at the house, wipe the blade down with mineral oil. Not much is needed, just a light coat. It is sold in pharmacies in the laxative section.
- If you acquire a leather sheath, do not store your knife in this, as it will cause corrosion issues. I personally do not even store my knives in their kydex sheaths (if so equipped).
- If you hunt/fish/hike/camp, pack a small tub of carmex lip balm in your gear (the one about the size of a quarter, the coin, in diameter). It seals closed when the lid is screwed down, so you don't have to worry about your gear getting messy in a hot climate. On top of that, it is much easier to carry than mineral oil, it the field. Just tape around the lid/body to ensure that it does not get twisted loose when moving in your pack.
- Carmex and the makeup removal cotton discs, make for a great fire starter. Coat the outside of the disc, separate the two layers and use that to catch ferro rod sparks. I always pack 5 pieces of those discs wrapped in duct tape, in my gear bags. Each one will burn for 30-40 seconds, and catch a spark near instantaneously.
- You can use an Arkansas stone, diamond, Whetstone, or just about anything out there to sharpen your knife. Don't have anything else? Use the bottom of a coffee mug, casserole baking dish, or top of a car window. That being said, I would suggest you pick up a DMT coarse/fine Diafold and learn to use the fine side for regular edge maintenance. Maybe grab two of them and break them both in, and pack one away in your gear bag.
If I think of anything else, I will post again.
Welcome to the fold, it is a slippery slope.
Don't say we didn't warn you.
