How to maintain your bushcraft (3V & Micarta)

Daniel Koster

Daniel Koster

www.kosterknives.com
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Oct 18, 2001
Messages
20,978
Best thing to do with your micarta-handled bushcraft knife is to soak it in some kind of oil (mineral oil is cheapest, WD-40 works great too) for 1-2 days. The micarta will take on a more brilliant color and you'll help it last longer. (tends to dry out over time)

3V (which has some chromium in it already) will also benefit from occasional oiling.

The flats of the blade can be scrubbed with a scotchbrite pad and the bevel can be cleaned by honing.

This knife was carefully thought out to provide the most user-friendly finish possible...at the best price.

If you'll oil the knife right before sheathing it...you can store it in the leather - just don't leave it there for too long (years :foot: ).

Any more care/maintenance tips?

Dan
 
Great advice. What I usually do with micarta is a couple coat's of Birchwood Casey Tru-Oil. It dries pretty hard and brings out the color in the scales. You can also let it dry over the exposed tang and it acts as a sort of protective coating from your hands so that the tang doesn't rust.

For the blade, depending on what I am going to use it for, I usually use FP10 for a protectant and it works great. If the blade will be used for food prep, mineral oil is a must.:thumbup:
 
I never realized that about micarta.

My situation on it has always been the opposite. As I use it the oil from cutting up stuff and my hand turns the handle darker. Then I wash it off real good periodically.
 
I usually just lube the blade with the blood of my enemies. Will this damage the micarta if it runs down the handle?
 
honing = sharpening/stropping (in this case, I meant a fine stone)


The act of sharpening cleans the scandi bevel. :thumbup:



Andrew - is it working for you so far?



Snow - :eek: :eek: :eek:
 
I have my strop tightened up to where there is totally flat.

Then I take a strip of 1500 grit and lay it flat on the strop.

Then I take the knife and strop it on the sandpaper.

Been doing this most evenings and the bevel is getting super shiny and the edge is getting really sharp.

When it gets hair popping all along the edge then I stop and only do it when it needs it.
 
I use Watco's Danish Oil on my mikarta just the same as I do wood. Before I'm done with a knife I always treat the mikarta with Danish Oil.
 
hot soapy water is best for cleaning. Then coat with oil (mineral oil included).
 
When you say Mineral Oil... are you talking about the clear stuff you can buy in the Pharmacy Department at say... Wal Mart ? It say on the bottle it is a Lubricant Laxative ....

Is that it ? :eek: ;)
 
Yes - just don't drink the whole bottle at once and you'll be alright using it on your knife. :D :eek: :p


:barf:
 
10-4.... Just wanted to make sure this was the right stuff.......:thumbup:

Thank you for the info..... I think I'll just use it on the knife though...... :D:D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top