How often do you remove your handles?

H

hoogansloppen

Joined
Mar 25, 2015
Messages
26
Hello,

I ordered a factory 2nd 4.7 in May and it is awesome. I got back from a short camping trip today and decided to take the handles off for the first time to clean underneath them. After taking them off I noticed what looked like surface rust (or maybe it was just dirt and grime?) had formed near the fasteners. I scrubbed it off with a green scotch brite pad and now all that is left are some small black marks that I believe are from oxidation. I also scrubbed the inside of the handle scales with the scotch brite pad and some soapy water to help remove the marks from them.

I was hoping for some tips about how to clean the handle scales better and also to prevent this type of rust in the future. How often do yall remove the handle scales? Should I wipe the handle with mineral oil before I put the scales back on? I have to admit I have been finding any excuse to use the knife so I have been using it to cut vegetables/meat for dinner fairly often which means I have been washing it a lot and getting the handle wet. I am going to try to post some pictures below. I guess another good question would be do yall think that was even rust on the handle? Also, did I mention that the knife is awesome? The ergonomics are incredible and it came crazy sharp. I hope to be getting some more knives from Survive! in the future!













After being cleaned:









Just for fun:



 
Yep that looks like a little corrosion to me. On my users I take the scales off fairly often, like every few weeks or so just to give them a quick wipedown.
I like using a bit of knife wax on the under scale portions just to protect the metal from moisture a bit more. Don't know if that is the preferred method but it has worked well for me.
 
I tend to remove scales any time I get the knife wet once I am out of the offending environment. I do use mineral oil and a little petroleum jelly under the scales. I have had a little oxidation, but I have been able to keep it under control for the most part.
 
I really don't worry about it unless the scales need adjusted or the knife has something abnormal happen to it. I have lots of knives without removable scales that haven't rusted to pieces yet.

I've used automotive wax as rust prevention on an A2 pocket-carried daily before, I imagine it would be more than enough on 3v.
 
I bought a used 4.1 (which the seller did not tell me was a factory second) and when i got it it had some rust under the scales. I brushed it off with some steel wool and put marine grease under the scales. Havent removed them since, but i expect no more problems.
 
If i were you, and were using it often in the kitchen plus washing it after, i would look into investing in some G10 scales.
They do not absorb liquid unlike micarta. So in theory they should drastically minimise the amount of water/grease/vegetable juice that gets under the scales and onto the steel itself hence preventing rust to some degree.

Or there is always the option of buying a 3rd 4.7 in 20cv :D
 
I had never removed mine, after lots of wet, dirty use in a pretty humid environment.
Took them off last night, all good underneath. No corrosion, whew!!
 
Other than hand sweat, my knives are always dry. When I wash the blade I don't let water near enough to the handle that it could seep in. If the dirty girl needs a real thorough bath then I take the scales off and make sure to dry thoroughly. I will also put Vaseline under the scales, especially into the fastener holes.

Your spots are definitely only cosmetic, but it's good you identified the potential for a problem :thumbup:
 
Thanks for all of the tips! For now I used mineral oil because I already had it but I am going to look into the wax and grease also. I will be ordering G10 scales when I get the chance, I wanted to try them anyway.
 
Just put mineral oil or tuff glide on the tang and the scales. and don't forget to oil the screws as well.
 
This is the nice thing about CPM-3V. It does have some of the same components that are found in stainless steels, so it won't turn to dust on you. There just isn't enough of those components to keep it from getting stained. We oil the blade before building those, either with mineral oil or WD-40. We use mineral oil for the handles.
 
I second the wax comment. I used Folsons canvas wax. I leave a little film on the inside of the scales and it seems to keep out dust and water. I've had good luck with canvas micarta using Folsons. I slather it on then stick them in the microwave for about 8 seconds to let the wax melt and seep into the canvas. Let cool and wipe off the excess. It gives the handles a richer look, prevents water from soaking in and makes the handles feel a little grippier. And unlike oils it doesn't get on other stuff.
 
Agreed with above, a coat of oil or wax between the scale and tang will work well. A light grease or petroleum jelly will also help to block the paths through and past the handle that moisture took to get to the steel.
 
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