New RC-3 User any tips.

[Lazy River Road]

So I just ordered a RC-3 my first real knife and I was looking for any tips on how to keep it pristine. I am fully aware that this knife is going to get scratched up, discolored, pos a few rust spots and that will all add characeter to the knife. But I plan to use it on a long distance hike (one month in duration) and just want to keep it nice and sharp and as rust free as possible. So any tips would be appriciated.

 

[GrinderMcgee]

So I just ordered a RC-3 my first real knife and I was looking for any tips on how to keep it pristine. I am fully aware that this knife is going to get scratched up, discolored, pos a few rust spots and that will all add characeter to the knife. But I plan to use it on a long distance hike (one month in duration) and just want to keep it nice and sharp and as rust free as possible. So any tips would be appriciated.

Lip balm can double as protectant for the blade if the blade is clean and dry before application, but clean and dry is the most important part.

I have been carrying these little credit cards from DMT lately, great for sharpening. They make the double-sided folding kind also.

 

[Dizwolf]

A small stone and just being used should keep it rust free, may get some rust where the logos are lasered into the blade. A tuf glide cloth is a good option that doesn't take up alot of room, or some of the rem oil wipes.

As far as pristine, let's hope not

 

[Parker]

Lip balm - had not thought of that at all. Very clever idea!

I use MD Labs XF7 - does not run at high temps, non-toxic, non-staining. Again, put it on over clean and dry.

My RAT loves a Norton stone or an EZ Lap bench stone, nothing fancy, about 300 grit on the Norton and 600 grit on the EZ Lap.

The 1095 seems to really enjoy a scary edge with a ragged finish and my carried and beaten -3 is the only knife I carry which has an edge which frightens me. It feels like a meat saw and still slices little slivers off the edge of a piece of paper.

 

[ZombaiO]

Get a Fallkniven DC-4 sharpener - it has diamond and ceramic sides :thumbup: Also a small leather strop loaded with compound and you'll be able to keep your knife nice and sharp

 

[thebrain]

I have used a candle as a rust preventer if you are going to use a candle lantern you will have one with you. I had no problems with rust and if the candle is unsented you would have no food safe issues.