Oiling a knife for storage

R

rxq

Joined
May 19, 2009
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I have a few knifes that are not regularly used. I've read that they should given a light coat of oil before storing. Would I need special oil for it? Or could I get by with just 3-in-One?
 
Though there is much discussion and friendly debate on this, I think that 3-in-1 would work just fine, as would just about any light lube. The point is to establish a barrier between the blade and the air, so that oxidation does not occur. In my view, 3-in-1 would do just dandy. You could use mineral oil, engine oil or any of the spendy specialty knife or gun oils. There may some variance in their efficacy, but I think they all do the trick.

On the rare occasions when I use oil, it will usually be WD-40. This horrifies some people, but it simply contains mineral spirits (which evaporate) and mineral oil. Whatever works, I say.
 
For long-term storage I suggest either paste wax or petroleum jelly.
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
For long-term storage I suggest either paste wax or petroleum jelly.
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Cosmoline! :)

If one wants to go "high-end/museum quality" there's always Renaissance Wax...but, really, just about anything from lip balm to beeswax to mineral oil will work.
 
marcinek said:
Cosmoline! :)

If one wants to go "high-end/museum quality" there's always Renaissance Wax...but, really, just about anything from lip balm to beeswax to mineral oil will work.
Click to expand...

Exactly. Cosmoline is just a less-refined form of USP petroleum jelly, and while lots of different paste waxes do the job well I get fantastic results from Renaissance Wax and my large jar is only about 1/3 depleted after almost a decade of more-frequent-than-average use. A tiny little dab goes a startlingly long way!
 
I love mineral oil as a general lubrication and maintenance oil for knives and other edged tools but for storage I like stuff that's a bit more viscous. It helps keep dry patches from developing over time.
 
If the knife/gun will be left in a harsh environment (which you typically won't do if you're storing the item), I have found Evinrude's triple guard grease (which is for marine outboard motor applications) to be extremely effective.
 
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"food grade" mineral oil is a joke in itself (not healthy), but yes -- any fat or oil without salts will do. If you really want it to stick, then use something heavy and thick like engine vaseline; for storage through the decades to come.
 
I did my own test like the one above, but I used Tuff Glide, Eezox, Break Free CLP, WD -40, Miltech, and a couple others. Eezox smoked them all. The others rusted in a day I ended pulling the others, and left the Eezox out in the FL humidity for two weeks without much change.
 
stoffi said:
"food grade" mineral oil is a joke in itself (not healthy), .....
Click to expand...

You are not supposed to cook with it! :rolleyes: You CAN safely ingest it...with laxative effects. That's why it's in the laxative section. Perfectly safe.
 
Yeah it passes through your system undigested. Yuck. :D

But it's used in small amounts to keep things like gummy candy and craisins from sticking together.
 
Do you guys think Vaseline would be good/cheap alternative solution? Or does this dry up over time?

*edit*

I guess I had a brain fart and thats what Petroleum Jelly is...

Anyways, from the wiki page...

"It was recommended by Porsche in the owner’s manual of their cars as a preservative for light alloy anodized Fuchs wheels to protect them against corrosion from road salts and brake dust. “Every three months (after regular cleaning) the wheels should be coated with petroleum jelly." .... so it makes sense that this maybe be a good solution.
 
I've always used RIG preservative on guns and knives .Just a light coating is necessary. Wrapping in VPI paper for long term storage can be used for extra protection .
 
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This stuff works !!! Go to "the rust store" & check it out. You can buy it in like 7 different containers & sizes. My truck is undercoated with it, as is my cars. Works AWESOME !!! I live in the rust belt & wish i knew about this stuff 7 vehicles ago. I drilled holes in the doors & sprayed it inside them too.

I can buy it at my local John Deere dealer.
 
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