Mineral Oil Opinions for Storing Knives

[SliCed]

I'm a gun guy so I'm used to using CLP and Ballistol. I've put it on some of my non stainless blades, including my Darksword Amory Medieval Knight Sword. It seems that after a few months the CLP would be on it like I had just put it on there and the Ballistol appeared to about 50% dried up. Although, Ballistol would beat it in every other category hands down.

Anyway, I've been reading about people using mineral oil on their blades because it's food safe. I was wondering if I would oil a blade with mineral oil and put it away by wrapping it up in cloth or even storing it in a sheath (not something I normally do) and the oil would still be on there. I just wanted people's opinions on here if it is a good way to protect your knives from rust and how long it would stay on the blade and protect it if it wasn't used while being stored (a few months, year +, etc.). Where I live, I know humidity is not a big issue, but I wanted to know. Thanks in advance.

 

[Stays Sharp]

I used to use mineral oil, and that's all you really need to store and oil blades.

I use Ballistol exclusively now to oil my blades though since I have it. It (obviously) has better cleaning properties and works well for storing guns and knives.... So, you're in good shape.

 

[Sonnydaze]

Mineral oil and vegetable oil are both good...for food use.
I use more common "gun oils" for knife storage.

 

[Avantage]

I use a special mineral oil for air guns. It is very liquid and quickly covers the surface of the blade. Even a small amount is enough to protect the blade from rust. Also it does not evaporate.

 

[rycen]

Moved to MT&E

 

[CloudsRest]

I've never had issues with using mineral oil. I've been using the same $5 bottle for years.

 

[willis]

Ballistol is mineral oil with a few additives.I like and use it on firearms and knives.I have noticed it seems to promote verdigri if wiped on brass bolsters and guards when stored in leather sheaths.

 

[kelbro]

I wax mine. Lasts a loooonnnng time.

 

[Avantage]

Good idea! But how do You remove the wax, when You need to use the knife?

 

[guns_and_labs]

Good idea! But how do You remove the wax, when You need to use the knife?

I tend to use Sentry Solutions Tuf Glide or Frog Lube, but a knife maker I know suggests wax, so I tried it. It wipes off pretty easily.

 

[vic2367]

I've never had issues with using mineral oil. I've been using the same $5 bottle for years.

me too

 

[Marko3]

Been on the same bottle of mineral oil for some time..every knife I ship out gets a thin layer

 

[snippy]

Get the food grade mineral oil at your pharmacy. It works as a laxative too!

 

[kelbro]

Good idea! But how do You remove the wax, when You need to use the knife?

Very fine coat of wax. Apply a thin coat, let it dry and then polish it lightly. Wipes off with alcohol if you need to remove it but I typically just leave it on there.

I use Johnsons Paste Wax.

Used it on my firearms when I lived in a salty, humid environment. No rust!

 

[Avantage]

Thank You, kelbro. I'll try to apply wax on my knives. Maybe it would be better, because it will not stick the dust on blade.

 

[neeman]

Get the food grade mineral oil at your pharmacy. It works as a laxative too!

It is good for long storage but too thick for daily use
I use baby oil to lubricate the joints of my slipjoints, as it is thinner.

A damp toothbrush spreads a light film and keeps the carbon blades protected

 

[SliCed]

Thanks everyone for your help! I'll buy some food grade mineral oil for the blade itself, I still may use better oils for the pivot and washers and such. The wax was interesting too. Thanks for bringing that into the conversation.