Leather storage of blades

[Mark J]

I just purchased a William Henry Evolution knife (spearpoint, cocobolo wood scales) that came with a leather clip case. It's an awesome little knife and perfect for my sheeple-laden office environment. However, I read somewhere on the forum that extended storage of knives in leather sheaths is not a good idea, since the blades can deteriorate (corrode? discolor?). I was wondering whether this only applies to fixed blade knives where the blade is in direct contact with the leather sheath, or whether it also applies to folders.

On a related note, I noticed that the area on the blade tang where the liner lock engages seems to be coated with a light brown substance, I assume for better "stickiness" when engaging the liner lock. Does anyone know what this stuff is, and whether is will wear off in time?

Thanks for your replies!

- Mark

 

[slicer]

The need to not store knifes in leather comes from the days when a lot of leather was chrome tanned, old swords from the middle east came in chrome tanned scabbards. The tanning process would react with the steel and cause corrosion, all leather today should be supplied using vegetable tanning that will not react with the steel. Also leather will hold persperation and moisture and that is not good for the blade, bolsters, liners . I would store the knife outside of the seath/pouch. I would also make sure I oiled the knife for storage with a quality oil or other treatment.

 

[GronK]

I think it depends on the metal involved. I have a custom made hunting knife in highly polished 154-cm which has (as per the maker's instructions) been in it's leather sheath for 20 years with no sign of discoloration. On the other hand, I recently picked up a Ruana in non-stainless steel that is noticeably discolored after a few years in the sheath. My recently acquired Evolution Wharncliff stays in the pouch other than when I'm using it.

Ron

 

[Buzzbait]

I use Snow Seel on the inside of my Marbles sheath. I haven't noticed any discoloration of the carbon steel yet.

 

[Bugs3x]

The difference in tanning method of the leather makes a lot of sense to me. I had a Ruana given me by my father, which was stolen in a burglary years ago. It had spent just about 40 years in the original sheath, with no staining. But, the blade did have a notable patina.