Prepping blades to apply Renaissance Wax

[Rover-Friskey]

I would like to try Renaissance Wax on some of my knives. Will try on 440A, Case CV, T-10, 420J2, etc. My blades currently all have 3-in-1 oil on them. What is the best way to clean/prep them prior to adding Renaissance Wax? Would a polish be best?

Thanks,
R-F

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

A simple wipe-down will be sufficient, as Renaissance Wax is a solvent-based polish.

 

[Wowbagger]

Don't expect it to , necessarily , protect the blade from moisture .
Wax is not great for that.
I have used wax on cutting tools for decades , including Renaissance Wax , bee's wax , candle wax and down hill ski glide wax .
BUT ONLY TO MAKE CUTTING TOOLS SLIP THROUGH THE MEDIA I AM CUTTING WITH LESS EFFORT.

For moisture protection there are far better products . After all Ren Wax is to make furniture , specifically high dollar custom / classic furniture , look good with a modicum of scuff protection .

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

Don't expect it to , necessarily , protect the blade from moisture .
Wax is not great for that.
I have used wax on cutting tools for decades , including Renaissance Wax , bee's wax , candle wax and down hill ski glide wax .
BUT ONLY TO MAKE CUTTING TOOLS SLIP THROUGH THE MEDIA I AM CUTTING WITH LESS EFFORT.

For moisture protection there are far better products . After all Ren Wax is to make furniture , specifically high dollar custom / classic furniture , look good with a modicum of scuff protection .

This is incorrect, at least for the paraffin waxes used in Renaissance Wax. Renaissance Wax was formulated in conjunction with the British Museum to protect artifacts from corrosion. It does wear off with time, but it's superior to oil in rust prevention. It's a hydrophobic material. The biggest issue is that in use, places where the blade rubs on materials will result in the wax wearing off, which will also happen with oils or greases. Fortunately that wear also causes any corrosion that does occur to get removed, as well, and the low points that don't experience wear remain protected.

 

[Wowbagger]

This is incorrect, at least for the paraffin waxes used in Renaissance Wax

Earlier wax polishes based on beeswax and carnauba wax either contained acids or became acidic over time. Renaissance Wax is based on more stable microcrystalline waxes refined from crude oil.

I stand corrected .
Thank you.

Rover Friskey :
Do , please , post your experiences with Ren Wax after a year or so .

 

[jjg6319]

I would use 90% alcohol or lacquer thinner to remove any oils on the blade before Ren Wax. After coating with the wax I then use some oil if that makes you feel better. Belt & Suspenders.

 

[Rover-Friskey]

I stand corrected .
Thank you.

Rover Friskey :
Do , please , post your experiences with Ren Wax after a year or so .

I stand corrected .
Thank you.

Rover Friskey :
Do , please , post your experiences with Ren Wax after a year or so .

Wowbagger,

Will do!

R-F

 

[Rover-Friskey]

I would use 90% alcohol or lacquer thinner to remove any oils on the blade before Ren Wax. After coating with the wax I then use some oil if that makes you feel better. Belt & Suspenders.

jjh6319'
I have some mineral spirits.

Thanks!
R-F

 

[Rover-Friskey]

This is incorrect, at least for the paraffin waxes used in Renaissance Wax. Renaissance Wax was formulated in conjunction with the British Museum to protect artifacts from corrosion. It does wear off with time, but it's superior to oil in rust prevention. It's a hydrophobic material. The biggest issue is that in use, places where the blade rubs on materials will result in the wax wearing off, which will also happen with oils or greases. Fortunately that wear also causes any corrosion that does occur to get removed, as well, and the low points that don't experience wear remain protected.

Forty TwoBlades,
Thanks! I feel confident now!.
R-F

 

[jjg6319]

That will work. I liked the alcohol or lacquer thinner because both evaporate quickly. So does acetone.

 

[Rover-Friskey]

i have 90% alcohol also. And HEET, which is 99.9996% methanol

 

[Rover-Friskey]

Maybe methanol is not a good idea. will use 91% IPA.
Thanks all!

R-F

 

[Railsplitter]

Just a friendly tip about Renaissance Wax. Don’t apply it too thick. Especially if you plan to let it dry before buffing it.

It’s a real bugger to buff if applied too thick.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

Just a dab will do ya' with most wax polishes. Use a rag if possible, for polishing. Paper towels tend to shred.