Fehrman knives and backpacking in the Pacific Northwest...

B

bierstadt

Joined
Dec 20, 2006
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My last Fehrman post notwithstanding, I need some input on this topic. Will I have problems on extended Fall and Winter backpacking trips with the Fehrman knives as far as rust and oxidative loss of sharpness are concerned? I don't have a ton of experience with non-stainless steel and really do not want a maintenance hassle out in the backcountry. I currently use Fallkniven's which have no rust problems but have the usual drawbacks of stainless.

My heart really likes the non coated Fehrman knives but my head tells me to get the coated blades for durabilities sake. What is your advice?

What will I need to do to protect the blade(s) in the wet - high humidity conditions of the Pacific Northwest?
 
What 'drawbacks of stainless' have you experienced?

BTW, I own Fallknivens and Fehrmans.

Stainless is always my first choice for backpacking in wet environs.
 
Keep it clean and as dry as you can and you'll have no problems. You certainly won't have loss of sharpness problem.... and remember a little patina is a good thing, it shows love.
 
I use the Tuff Cloth Marine environment lubricant and have never had any issues with my coated or uncoated Fehrmans.

I also use the Boeshield T-9 lubricant on them, during hunting season when it seems to snow constantly in the high country and I may (hopefully) have to bloody the knives and may not be able to rinse them right away (blood will oxidize a high carbon blades finish in no time flat; which is great for developing a patina, but does no edge damage).

BTW, I don't have a speck of rust or oxidation on any of them so hopefully that tells you something.

Hope this helps.

Be safe.

NJ
 
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I go with coated for that very same reason. Plus, I like the looks of it better, most folks don't.
 
The black oxide is positive. Get it on your blade! Just avoid red rust by keepeing the blade dry and clean.

I really see no reason to worry that much.

As i was trying to tell my wife, how important it is, to keep a carbon blade dry and clean, i left it over an hour after cutting and peeling an apple. Nothing happened.

But leave it for some hours in the dip, red rust appears.

Overtalked, rust problems are overtalked IMHO.
 
If your going to force a patina I've found using 5% Cider Vinegar works the best (don't know how effective this will be with 3V as I've not been able to make it oxidize for me under more natural conditions but worth a try if you're concerned). Leave it overnight in the undiluted solution and it will be a beautiful gray-black by morning. Take it out, rinse it off, lubricate it, buff it up to remove any loose oxidation and maybe a couple strokes on the strop and off you go.

Be safe.

NJ
 
Stop worrying about rust, it will take a long time for your knives to rust to any point where they become useless, unless you purposely neglect them. People get too "hung up" on rust worries, I personally like a well-used look to my carry blades.

Just remember that iron knives have been used for thousands of years and a little care is all that is needed to keep them sharp. You can use any manner of grease or oils or silicone to protect the blade, but I suggest something less toxic if you plan on prepping food with your knives.

I prefer beeswax.
 
after washing & drying blade, wipe with marine tuff cloth which you can store in small plastic vial.
i hunted &fished that area for 2 yrs.
understand rain for days .never had rust
asuming you are sleeping in truck, or tent, wipe metal dry at dusk,wipe with marine tuff
i never used synthetic stocks on guns & had no problem
however synthetics make sense
 
I wouldn't worry about it too much. Take whatever knife is gong to serve you well. My Kabar does fine in the PNW year round.
 
Although CPM-3V is not supposed to be rust-resistant, I've never had any problems with rust on my Fehrman LC even during wet conditions (rain, high humidity). I apply a bit of organic oil (as I also use my knives to prepare food) after every hard use. And the knife's edge retentions is exceptionally good so you won't have to worry about that too. The only drawback with Fehrman LC is that it is a bulky/heavy knife to have it with you during long trips in the wilderness. I prefer Fällkniven F1 or S1 for that reason.
 
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