How do I care for tool steel knives?

[Sharp Eye]

I am a newbie to quality knives. All of my knives so far are stainless. I have a Bark River Bravo-1 on order which I plan to take on an upcoming backpacking trip. How do I care for the A2 steel in the field?

 

[muddog49]

Just use it and keep it as clean as possible in the field. Wipe off mud and blood. When you return home, wash with soapy water then oil it real well, will last forever (however long that is).

 

[jvan]

I have several Bark River knives in A2 and all I do is keep them clean and oiled with mineral oil which is food safe as my knives get used a lot in the kitchen.

 

[cutter17]

I've always coated mine with wax, Rennassaince Wax, and have had good results. You might want to invest in a Sentry Marine Cloth. Just wipe the blade down, as it evaporates it leaves a protective coat on the blade. This is something that you can easily take into the field with you.

 

[StretchNM]

Hey Sharp Eye, your profile doesn;t say where you're located, and that's a factor.

I have a Bravo-1 and several other Bark River A-2 blades. Here in the southwest (except during summer months) the air is dry. I don;t oil my A-2 or coat them with wax, but in the summertime I'll spread a little mineral oil on after washing the blade. I then wipe off the majority of the oil with a blue shop towel.

I think it's important, when washing, to use HOT water, dishsoap on a sponge, then rinse with HOT water. Then dry right away with a soft cloth.

The Canadian Camp is new, but the Bravo-1 and Northstar have both tasted blood. The Bravo-1 has dipped its edge into duck, chicken, and rabbit, along with biting hard into mesquite and peach wood for more than a year. There isn;t a speck of rust or patina on it.

 

[Cougar Allen]

Let’s see if we can find the right forum …

 

[Ben Dover]

I keep my knives, regardless of steel, clean and drey. I've never found it necessary to oil or wax them. I have knives of old 1095 and 0170-6, 52100 that are several decades old, and look like new. CLEAN AND DRY!:thumbup:

 

[carrot]

Here's a quick tip. Don't put the knife away wet!

 

[Lycosa]

Good advice from everyone. Common Sense! Hey Ben---What does DREY mean? lol.