Fixed blade storage

[pst pjc]

I have aquired several fixed blade knives lately. At a recent knife show someone told me that their leather sheathes were oiled and safe for knife storage. Does this mean that some leather sheathes are not safe for storing knives in? Why not?

 

[knifenerd]

The acids that are naturally present in leather, will create problems for long term storage. It is much safer to separate the knives from their sheaths for storage.

 

[matthew rapaport]

Acids and/or moisture, but you don't have to take this to extremes. I have a half dozen customs now in leather sheaths. They all happen to be ATS-34 or D2. Since I don't collect for display, but for use, these knives all live in a dresser drawer <b>in their sheaths</b>. If I don't use them, I take them out every week or two and wipe them all down with a soft dry cloth. I've never noticed any rust or other discoloration on the blades, and I've been doing this for 6+ months now...