Please Recommend: Storage Cases for Folders

[The Burgh]

Don't intend to waste your time/expertise, so apologies if it seems so. Searched this Forum and the web for ideas - too many/few, too cheap/expensive, too shoddy/luxury. United Cutlery, Brag Bag, Kershaw, SpyderCo. Rolls, hardsides, softsides, leather, nylon, codura, lined/unlined. My head hurts.

Here's what I'm looking for (knowing that I'll eventually be compromising):
1.) Larger (18 knives or more) flat-sided carry case (handles and closure buckles).
2.) Don't care about the exterior materials so long as knives are safe inside their pockets from abrasions (with each other) or scratches (from material).
3.) Really want this to be a long-term solution, so materials that deteriorate over time/use (like stretchy retainer bands) are not
4.) Prefer that each knife, in its own pocket, can be identified without removal from the pocket. Exposed pocket clips are one way to identify, but can't rub against each otherr. Clear plastic windows seem nice, but do they deteriorate?
5.) Open stock: Want to be able to add additional identical cases as my collection grows (and it will).
7.) Leary of silicon-based solutions and materials which might contain chemicals which could "leach" into/onto the knives.
6.) Cost: Up to $100 per case.

You might be thinking "Wow, this guy is overthinking, over-analyzing (see the root word "anal" in there) and way overcomplicating a simple purchase." You're correct. I'll tell you that I am meticulously assembling my collection (for example, one stellar representative knife from each major brand/manufacturer) for my now-age-3-Grandson. Nuff said?

Thanks for reading this tome and offering any assistance!

 

[KyleMS11]

Pelican 1550 case. I just bought one for $100 on amazon. You can make individual slots for each knife. Its water proof. And keeps out mositure. Very portable. Can be eaily carried and transported. Great for knife storage. All my folders have 3 inch blades. Balisongs, otf's and bigger folders would be a tight squeeze. Ut they make deeper versions also. Great case. For what your looking for these would be perfect for you.

 

[The Burgh]

KyleMS11

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Storing knives in any case is a very bad idea. Cases trap moisture, and much of the foam will react with lubricants or simply degrade by itself.
Store the knives in a dry area where temperate air can circulate around them. Same with guns.

 

[Jason B.]

+1 on the pelican case.

They are are very good for storing knives and can be air locked when sealed for an extra level of protection.

I have stored my knives in a pelican case for many years with no ill effect.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Take it from someone who has been collecting guns and knives for over 40 years- cases are for carrying, not storage.
Storing in cases may work fine for a long time, and it may not. Why take the chance?

 

[Spey]

From your description of wanting to be able to identify each knife in case(s) and have pocket-clips contact anything and an interest in clear vinyl it would seem the Spyderco fold over bags/rolls would be the first answer. Hanging on a wall in a youngsters bedroom would be cool wall-art to grow into

I would also agree, as others have posted, that most "cases" are for transportation and not long-term storage when it comes to expensive knives & guns. I have experienced specific issues commented earlier of gun solution reaction with foam liner causing patina to steel. I suppose we all have differing ideas when we talk of long term storage, a couple years maybe to some, longer to others & you mentioned 3-yr old grandson as part of the question ...

 

[RevDevil]

Storing knives in any case is a very bad idea. Cases trap moisture, and much of the foam will react with lubricants or simply degrade by itself.
Store the knives in a dry area where temperate air can circulate around them. Same with guns.

Bill, I cannot agree with this enough, because it is very true. The last thing you want is moisture trapped next to a knife that is destined to become an "heirloom" so to speak. The foam can potentially react to lubricants and solvents and increase the rate of decomposition of the foam and cause corrosion and discoloration of the handle materials of choice. Once moisture is introduced into an environment (depending on many factors), it doesn't just disappear magically. It has to go somewhere. Even the foam as inert as it may be, will react to different solvents and oils.

 

[JR88FAN]

Bill, I cannot agree with this enough, because it is very true. The last thing you want is moisture trapped next to a knife that is destined to become an "heirloom" so to speak. The foam can potentially react to lubricants and solvents and increase the rate of decomposition of the foam and cause corrosion and discoloration of the handle materials of choice. Once moisture is introduced into an environment (depending on many factors), it doesn't just disappear magically. It has to go somewhere. Even the foam as inert as it may be, will react to different solvents and oils.

There is no perfect 'foam' but if you are looking at longer term storage in a Pelican case, use the Polyethylene 'closed cell foam'....it minimizes a lot of the issues Rev talks about above..

Link for more info:

http://www.casesbypelican.com/1700pe.htm