How do I prevent rust on my Blades?

J

JakeKnives

Joined
Jul 5, 2018
Messages
23
I have been having some issues with rust on my knives, I mostly use scrap steel, saw blades, and files. Any ideas?
 
Edci, mineral oil, etc. Wd40 is mineral oil with a cleaner in it. It works also. But I assume mineral oil is just cheaper.
 
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I wipe each blade down with WD 40 on a paper towel as I'm grinding and dunking, works for me.
 
Rust is caused by oxygen and moisture comming togetger with iron. If you keep them apart, you won't have rust.

Durring grinding, when done wih the day's work, dry the blade well ... really well ... with a dry cloth.
After drying, oil with a water displacement spray like WD-40 (Water Displacement - formula #40)

When the blade is ground and HTed, after any sanding or other work, oil the blade with a good grade gun oil. Break-free, etc. Rub all the oil off with a good scrubbing motion, then re-oil.

When a blade is used in the field, or handled at a show, oil it before putting away.


Every one of us has pulled a nice knife out of a pouch or drawer after a few months and found a big rust spot etched into the blade. Just yesterday I pulled out a tanto blade I have set aside for several months ... and it has a big rust spot on one side. I should have oiled it up when I set it in the box, but figured it was dry enough ... don't be me. I will spend three or four hours of togi restoring the blade to where I was before iI stopped polishing last spring.
 
If you want to avoid rust use WD 40 Corrosion inhibitor or Frog Lube.

They out perform just about everything.

In a pinch regular wd40 or 3in1 will do just as good as any of the other popular more expensive stuff.
 
Denso Tape. Or if you like spray, Boeshield.
Blades in progress... stuck into a jar of no salt peanut butter.
 
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Grease for long term storage, oil if used regularly. Oil will evaporate much more quickly, especially light oils, surface treatments will help hold oil.
 
I bought some Marine Tuf Cloth. Seems pretty good for longer term storage. There is a film left on that you want to wipe off before admiring, brandishing etc.
 
What about hunting and kitchen knives...wouldn't a food grade oil be a better idea? How about a little canola oil?
 
I really like a cloth with a little mineral oil soaked into it. Easy to rub the blade down with it. Also I have found alittle bees wax on a cloth works wonders as well.
 
Just watched this video


He's got a bunch of other vids on the subject too. Most of that stuff isn't food safe except for a few. Unless you don't intend to use for food prep.
 
I'm not trying to be funny or clever but some of you knife makers might consider trying some stainless steel stock for your next knife. It is even more corrosion resistant if you are willing to sand it finely and polish to a high polish finish. This is not very difficult on knives under 8 inches. Over the years almost all of my hunting friends ask for stainless. It is not very expensive...try Pop's or Admiral or the New Jersey Steel Baron. I like CPM 154 but 440 C can be had for a bargain price and will heat treat nicely at 60 Rockwell and makes a fine knife that is rust resistant. Larry
 
LARRYZ10 said:
I'm not trying to be funny or clever but some of you knife makers might consider trying some stainless steel stock for your next knife. It is even more corrosion resistant if you are willing to sand it finely and polish to a high polish finish. This is not very difficult on knives under 8 inches. Over the years almost all of my hunting friends ask for stainless. It is not very expensive...try Pop's or Admiral or the New Jersey Steel Baron. I like CPM 154 but 440 C can be had for a bargain price and will heat treat nicely at 60 Rockwell and makes a fine knife that is rust resistant. Larry
Click to expand...
Pfft ...Get out...

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