Heavily oiled khukuris

[golok]

I notice that some khukuris come heavily oiled when they are taken out of their sheaths. I was told that khukuris and other blades should not be kept in their sheaths for long periods.

But what if they are already well oiled? Is it the recommendation to keep the khukuri and sheath apart to prevent the blade from getting rusted rapidly?

 

[RipNTear]

Typically, the biggest problem with sheaths is the condensation that can build up during storage and hasten rusting. Less of a problem in a dry climate.

In pure leather sheaths, certain modern chemicals used in tanning the leather can hasten blade corrosion as well.

Here in TX, I keep the khuks (and other blades) oiled and sheathed. Usually monthly (if not more often), I pull them out, clean them off, re-oil them, and replace them. Never any problems here.

Hope that helps.

--Rip

 

[BruiseLeee]

I only store the blade outside the sheath if it's leather and the blade is unfinished carbon. If the khukuri sheath is dry, there shouldn't be any problems with rust. I haven't had a problem yet unless the wood was damp.

I have an HI katana with the leather only sheath. The blade tarnished somewhat after a few months stored in the sheath. Some folks gotta learn the hard way.

 

[Kmark]

The core of a khuk sheath is wood, and I have been told that keeping the blade in a wood sheath is the best way to keep the wood from warping. If it were leather, then it's best to keep the sheath and blade separate.

 

[hoghead]

Store the khuks in their sheaths. Check them from time to time. Have noticed that the ones with a silver bolster will tarnish like crazy from prolonged contact with the sheath leather. Might just be the metal itself, but don't stay shiny too long.

 

[Daniel Koster]

I keep eveything in its sheath. The danger factor greatly outweighs the tarnish potential. Especially since it takes just a few minutes to polish it back up, and you can't readily replace a finger, foot, limb or (heav'n forbid) a kid...