Knife cleaning/rust prevention for long term storage

[jac_solar]

How do you guys clean your knives for long term storage, and what you use to coat them with?

I use renaissance wax and keep my most valuable knives in a pelican case. I also occasionally use acetone to clean them (Obviously only on the metal parts.) -- I think it's better to use something that completely evaporates when you're cleaning something that is supposed to go into long term storage. What are your thoughts on this?

I coat steel that will be used with Ballistol.

But I was also wondering, should steel have some access to oxygen? Or is it best to completely seal it to prevent rust? For example, there's a knob on the Pelican case that allows you to let some oxygen in. Should this be completely closed, or should it let some oxygen in?

I noticed that on one of my knives that I stored on a shelf, the areas where it contacted the glass it was sitting on had gotten discolored. My immediate assumption was that this was caused by the steel being completely deprived of oxygen. Is this in any way true?

"Rust only forms when conditions are right – when there is enough water and air. Iron will rust when the relative humidity in the air climbs above 50%, and steel rusts when the relative humidity reaches 80%. If your shop is unheated, iron and steel tools will also rust when the nights are cooler than the days"

http://workshopcompanion.com/Demos/...lassroom_files/Shop_Notes_Rust_Prevention.pdf

This makes a lot of sense. Even below 80%, if the humidity changes, steel will rust. Storing them in an environment that stays at a consistent humidity level is key.

 

[jjg6319]

I wipe my stuff down with RIG that I want to store for a long time.

https://www.brownells.com/gun-clean...ntion/rig-universal-gun-grease-prod31842.aspx

If the pelican foam holds moisture and it is sealed then it is not good for the knives.

I had a rifle bolt sitting on a paper towel and where it came in contact with the paper towel there was rust. The bolt was wiped down with oil, but there was something about it being on the paper towel that caused some minor rust. Anytime I store anything in a foam lined case I also make sure it is in a plastic bag so it is not in direct contact with the foam. High end pistol manufactures do the same thing when they ship their pistols.

Some things for you to consider.

 

[Craig James]

If you deprive iron/steel of oxygen it cannot rust, period.

Rust is iron oxide, Fe2O3, water/moisture facilitates the transfer of electrons from the iron to the oxygen which allows oxidation to occur. Air by itself is not readily reactive. That’s why salt water is better at rusting steel components, it has more electrolytes and therefore facilitates the reaction.

Edited to add: the knob on your case is most likely to facilitate the evaporation of any moisture. Your case may be waterproof but it won’t be airtight (i would imagine as I don’t own one)

 

[Alberta Ed]

I wipe any down blades I don't plan to use for a while with BreakFree CLP and store them in a dry place. That seems to work for me.

 

[jac_solar]

This is claimed on one of the Pelican seller sites,

"Pelican™ cases are waterproof, airtight, dust proof, and corrosion proof."

https://www.thecasestore.com/shop/case/large

I don't have a genuine Pelican case, but it's the same design.

If the pelican foam holds moisture and it is sealed then it is not good for the knives.

That is a very good point. Hmm maybe I can use a blow dryer to make sure that they are completely moisture free.

I've also considered buying some extruded XPS foam/Foam floor isolation to fit into the Pelican case --

https://www.byggmax.no/xps300-p16474

Since the foam that comes with the case isn't solid -- it's made of many small blocks that you remove to make room. It works ok, but it can fall apart somewhat easily.

But the store that I asked about this stored their XPS foam outside.

 

[jpm2]

Long term, short term, or for use, it's breakfree clp from the 90's. Not sure if it's the same as current formula.
Application and finish is important.

I suspect the knob on the pelican case might be for pressure equalization, like when traveling at different elevations?

 

[Tjstampa]

[QUOTE

I suspect the knob on the pelican case might be for pressure equalization, like when traveling at different elevations?[/QUOTE]

That is exactly what the valve is for.

I would put a couple descant packs in the case and store with the case sealed

 

[smkinva]

I just wipe them down every now and then with a silicone cloth. I’m always fondling the knives and I wipe them down before setting them in the drawers of an old tool chest.