Humity and Carbon, Stag, and bone

[sawgrass]

I have a question about caring for knives. I see so many really good knives that have a crack in the stag or have tiny pepper spots on the carbon blades that I thought it would be good to discuss the best humidity levels to keep our knives. I keep my safe humidity at between 32 and 34%, but I really don't know what the humidity should be. I don't want the scales to dry too much and crack and yet I don't want carbon steel to pit, even lightly. I think most collectors want to keep their knives in the same condition as when we bought them. Any thoughts? Ideas? Let's hear it from the guys that know this stuff so that we all will be able to keep our knives better. Thanks for responses.

 

[sawgrass]

Anyone with thoughts or knowledge on this subject?

 

[Fish30114]

I don't know specifics about what level carbon steel will pit, but I will say that if you running 30-40% humidity that that is well below typical indoor environments in the winter, and maybe a little low to average for summertime. Most HVAC folks will tell you that an ideal level in a home is around 45%. At a 45% level, you should have no issues with either adverse drying of handle materials, or rusting/pitting of steel of any sort. I think a good rule of thumb is, if you store your knives in an environment that is comfortable to you, your knives should be fine.