Do’s & Don’ts of Knives

Sheaths are for carrying use, not long term storage. Some types of leather tanning uses chemicals that will attack steel. Just because you haven't seen one rusted from being stored in leather doesn't mean it can't happen. I used to see this all the time when I was doing gunsmith work. People would "store" their handguns in a leather holster and it would absolutely ruin the finish. Or store their prize shotgun in a sheepskin lined case under the bed and rust it really badly. Cases and holsters are designed for transport use only, not full time storage. You can get away with it on stainless steels but carbon steels will be damaged by some types of leather or anything that absorbs and holds moisture from a humid day.
 
DON’T pull out a loupe/magnifying glass to closely inspect a new custom or handmade knife at a knife show (it’s just not considered good form...

I've used a glass to look at blades before. I have purchased a CRK which had small scratches on the tip from amateurish sharpening...which took away from my "enjoyment" or "pride-factor" and couldn't be seen easily with MY naked eyes. Not everyone has 20/20 eyesight.
If a maker is rightfully proud of his work, he should have no problem with this, IMO.
Sonnydaze

btw...it's considered prudent to use a mag glass at a gunshow when you're examining older revolvers, particularly.
 
Esav Benyamin said:
Storing knives also depends on your local climate as well as the steel.
Click to expand...

Agreed. That was the only rule I scratched my head on. Texas, oiled sheaths, climate controlled storage, clean blades...never an issue in 4 years. Wasn't an issue in Kentucky either (lots of years), but I monitored storage humidity very closely up north.

I store some nice handguns in their carry rigs too, but I could see that affecting bluing over extended periods. I guess it's all about the risks you're willing to assume.
 
My leather sheaths are used to store my knives, in the basement, in Western NY State, for over 30 years. No issues, no rust, no my basement is not a finished basement. On & in my leather sheathes, i use one of 2 things: 1) neetsfoot oil if the fit is too tight & snaps are not snapping properly. 2) Fluid Film on the blade (a liberal amount) & then insert it into sheath & repeat every once in a while till inside of sheath is well coated. No rust issues ever, even in wet weather use. Very humid here in summer, lots of rain, snow, salt, slush & slop in winter.

YMMV but it works for me.
 
Don't lock your knife in a vice then hit it repeatedly with a hammer... unless your name is Noss and you're making a youtube video
 
Don't baton a folder with the lock engaged. I learned this lesson the hard way.

Do learn how to freehand-sharpen your knives (on a stone), even if you have a sharpening device. It's like knowing how to drive a manual transmission in a world full of autos.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top