Corrosive Leather?

KurtisKurt

KurtisKurt

Joined
Aug 7, 2000
Messages
220
Hi, I read time and time again Leathersheats could damage Steel Is that correct?

Thank you very much for your Help
Kurt


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"Come on! It's only a flesh wound!" The Black Knight in Monty Python's Quest for the Holy Grail.
 
yes, this is correct. don't store knives in leather sheaths too long. this is because of the chemicals which are used to make the leather durable

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Ray
MesserForum.net
 
There are generally two types of leather sold ing the US. Chrome tanned, which uses chromatic acids as tanning solutions. This is the cheaper variety and the acids never seem to get fully removed during the tanning process. This type of leather is what you see turning brass hardware green on scabbards. The other variety is Oak, or Vegetable tanned. This process uses by products of tree bark or other natural substances to tan the leather. It is more expensive than chrome tanned, but since there are no harsh chemicals used, the leather tends not to tarnish or corrode metals. Most custom makers that I know will not use, chrome tanned leather for their scabbards. To be on the safe side, do not store your knives in the scabbard(s). A good rule of thumb is to treat your cutlery the same way you would treat your favorite hunting rifle or shotgun.

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Ed Caffrey "The Montana Bladesmith"
ABS Mastersmith
www.caffreyknives.com
 
Ed,

Thanks for the info, I never knew that before. That was very informative!

Matt
 
Hi Kurt,

Corrosion from a leather sheath can begin almost immeditately if the conditions are right (carbon steel blade, damp leather sheath, saltly or humid conditions).

A little off-topic...Though leather can be bad for blades (as very adequately described here), long-term storage of all knives should be done outside of a sheath (including nylon). Though of lesser concern, if a knife is left in a damp sheath (of any kind), corrosion can happen. For safe long-term storage of a knife, use a cardboard sheath. For even longer-term storage, use desiccant in a sealed baggie...with the blade well-oiled.

Ron@SOG

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Website: www.sogknives.com
Email: ron@sogknives.com

[This message has been edited by Ron@SOG (edited 08-08-2000).]
 
or get a talonite knife
smile.gif
 
Thank you all for your answers. Bye Kurt

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"Come on! It's only a flesh wound!" The Black Knight in Monty Python's Quest for the Holy Grail.
 
Like Ed saids chrome tan leather sometimes promote rust. I have stored my H.I. khukuri's in their sheaths without any rust problems. I would not do this with a wet sheath though, the blade would rust for sure. The blades are covered with Rust Check. I have used Rust Check so often that some of the sheaths are wet with it.

Will
 
I've had very good experience with storing non-stainless (D2, A2) blades in their leather sheaths. That's because I impregnate the leather with this weapon oil http://www.ballistol.com/ . The so treated leather sheath keeps the steel slightly moist with oil and prevents if from oxidation. I’ve never had any discoloration on one of the so stored blades. You just have to make sure the sheath is thoroughly dry before applying the oil. If in doubt, use a hairdryer.

Brass is a different story. It will almost always turn green if it comes in contact with leather for a longer time. Here you have to be careful.
 
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