Knife Display Question

[Jon Brand]

Some of you know I usually keep my knives displayed in plexiglass boxes. Well they are stands with plexiglass housing around them to keep most dust out. I have some nice wood stands I can put my bowies on but they don't have covers. I'm wondering if the knives shouldn't be kept out in the open like this? I keep them oiled and away from direct sunlight. But is it bad to keep them in the open air where dust can get on them? Also I keep this area cold, so can air conditioning and sometimes a fan running which can blow dust around. Is this a problem at all? Do any of you keep carbon and ivory knives out in the open like this with out problems?

Please let me know your thoughts. I would love to keep them out like this as it looks great, but I don't know if I should.

 

[Kevin Jones]

Hi Jon, I display all my knives and will not leave one uncovered. Cases and especially plexiglas cubes (as shown below) help keep dust from settling on blades where condensation can form around particles causing spots on carbon steel blades. Damascus blades don't present as much an issue in this area. Some oils will actually attract dust like a magnet.

Cubes also offer UV protection against handle material fading from the sun. And perhaps most importantly, covers/cubes/display cases offer insulation from room temperature and humidity changes which can result in shrinkage and cracking.
You can even attach motion senors to the cubes for extra security.

Hope this helps.

 

[Jon Brand]

I like your cabinet and its my goal to have one soon.. But wouldn't keeping knives in there almost be very similar to an open room? The cabinets are very open on the inside and I would think dust and air change still is an issue. I'm sure they reduce it a little though.. but not as much as those small cubes.

 

[Kevin Jones]

^The display case is very tight, says 77 degrees inside year round and very clean.
I keep water inside to keep humidity constant. Never any problems.

It was originaly used as a dispaly case in an old general merchandise/drug store near the lunch counter which had a grill.
I had to scrape about 50 years of grease and crud off it with a puddy knife before I re-finished it. Turned out pretty good though.

 

[Murray White]

And I display most of mine in the open and would love to get some display stands like you show. would prefer for the blade to be even with the handle or down but not above as the one is here.

 

[Jon Brand]

And I display most of mine in the open and would love to get some display stands like you show. would prefer for the blade to be even with the handle or down but not above as the one is here.

Murray these stands certainly are far from perfect. I dug them up recently. I built them with my father about 15 years ago when I was collecting junk. But they work ok.. I just need to find somewhere better to put them.

 

[xaman]

I don't leave mine open, just too much dust and such.

Btw, I absolutely love your ivory handled knives, gorgeous.

 

[Jon Brand]

Thanks Eli. Ivory is gorgeous but kind of a PITA. But its worth it!

 

[betzner]

^The display case is very tight, says 77 degrees inside year round and very clean.
I keep water inside to keep humidity constant. Never any problems.

It was originaly used as a dispaly case in an old general merchandise/drug store near the lunch counter which had a grill.
I had to scrape about 50 years of grease and crud off it with a puddy knife before I re-finished it. Turned out pretty good though.

Hell, Kevin, it turned out looking incredible. I'm glad you told the story, had no idea. I've always thought it to be quite a nice piece, very much so.

Bob

 

[betzner]

Murray these stands certainly are far from perfect. I dug them up recently. I built them with my father about 15 years ago when I was collecting junk. But they work ok.. I just need to find somewhere better to put them.

Jon, I happen to like the clean look of those stands of yours. My advice (LOL - I give it, too, hahaha) is to just get some plexiglass boxes, for now, to go over the stands you have. Then go out and buy another knife with the money you saved.

Best,

Bob

 

[Jon Brand]

Jon, I happen to like the clean look of those stands of yours. My advice (LOL - I give it, too, hahaha) is to just get some plexiglass boxes, for now, to go over the stands you have. Then go out and buy another knife with the money you saved.

Best,

Bob

Thats the plan for now. Well the buying cubes part I would have to not buy alot of stands or cabinets to save enough for a knife. Well actually I suppose a good cabinet = a good knife. I like those JW Winchester cases. Maybe when I move in a few months I'll try to make room and start saving..