leather handles

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pkd3

Joined
Aug 8, 2000
Messages
163
Will these handles, such as the ones on USMC/fighting utility, hold up in wet environment for an extended time? I like these handles but wondered if anyone has experience with this situation. How often would you oil and with what? Thanks
Phil

[This message has been edited by pkd3 (edited 10-17-2000).]
 
I've never used a leather-handled knife in a wet environment long enough to see any significant damage to the handle, but I've read several posts that say leather is a great handle material except in warm, humid environments. I've also read that the leather handles on a lot of military knives sent to Vietnam didn't last well in jungles -- they practically started rotting as soon as they got there. Nontheless, I like the look of a leather-stacked handle and I don't think an occasional dunking would hurt it too much, especially with a regular light coating of oil.
 
With leather (sheaths as well as handles), you'll have to take a little more care - oiling it occasionally and drying it carefully if it gets soaked. The trouble with tropical climates like in SE Asia is the high humidity. If the leather isn't tended to, you'll soon see fungus and the damn things will rot away before your eyes.

I went through 3 or 4 cheap knives during my scouting days 15 years ago. One had the handle shrink & warp away after it got wet and I dried it with a hairdryer (my dumb mistake). One had green-orangey stuff growing on the handle after I chucked it into my pack where it sat for several months.

Red




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"Praise not the day until evening has come;a sword until it is tried; ice until it has been crossed; beer until it has been drunk" - Viking proverb
 
I have a leather handled Air force survival knife that I used all the time in the state of Washington on the peninsula and it rained a lot while I was out in the field fishing and wood gathering.I would say that it was covered by my shirt or coat most of the time but got wet alot anyway, you just have to let the knife dry out when you return to the home front and oil it on occasion.It is still around and not any problems yet.Cleaned a lot of steelhead fish with it also.The blade was coated and it never rusted took care to oil it also when finished for the day.Hope this helps.
 
Hey guys
Thanks a lot! I am a little extra fond of my USMC Kabar and have wondered about the above mentioned. I have also wondered why they would speck it in leather knowing there would be a good chance of it staying wet. Thanks again for your input
Phil
 
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