Protecting a damascus blade?

[22_boomer]

I was given a nice fixed blade Damascus knife and wondered if I could clean the blade and coat with polyurethane since I won't be using it but want it as a little show piece. I am disabled and fall often so carrying a knife is not a good idea but putting it on display could work.

 

[shane45-1911]

I would suggest NOT coating it with anything non-permeable such as polyurethane, etc. You risk sealing in moisture and contaminations in the steel.

A light coating of a good quality lube, wiped down and refreshed every few months is all that is required- no different than you would care for any other high-carbon blade.

Also as you are most likely aware, do not store it in a sheath, especially a leather one.

 

[3fifty7]

Use some Renaissance Wax, it’s for the purpose you described.

 

[777 Edge]

Do you know if it is stainless damascus, or high carbon Damascus steel? If it's high carbon damascus, then you'll definitely want to try protect it. If it's only going to be a showpiece, then ACF-50 works wonders.

 

[22_boomer]

I was told it was high carbon steel and so I have used some CLP spray lube on the blade. I hope the CLP is ok to use. Also, can I store it in it's sheath over an extended period. The sheath is leather and I think I read someplace that it could be bad for the Damascus. I did order some Renaissance Wax just in case the CLP was a bad idea.

Thanks for the replies,
boomer

 

[Trubetzkoy]

Use some Renaissance Wax, it’s for the purpose you described.

I second this.

 

[toker]

I was told it was high carbon steel and so I have used some CLP spray lube on the blade. I hope the CLP is ok to use. Also, can I store it in it's sheath over an extended period. The sheath is leather and I think I read someplace that itcould be bad for the Damascus. I did order some Renaissance Wax just in case the CLP was a bad idea.

CLP can be really bad for leather.

 

[Locutus D'Borg]

Clean the blade and dry well. Then, a very light coating of Renn wax (it's on Amazon), let it dry for like 20 seconds, and then buff. It'll look great AND protect.

 

[tiguy7]

Leather is often tanned with Chromic or Tannic Acid. Don’t store the knife in the sheath.

 

[22_boomer]

Thanks for the info on the sheath. I thought that's what I read. What is a good way to store the knife after I use the Ren. Wax?

 

[sickpuppy1]

After a good coat of Ren wax, I f it’s a real beautiful pattern I would find a display box to fit the knife and sheath in. With a glass cover. Hobby Lobby or a thrift shop.

 

[000Robert]

I have been using Break Free CLP on my Damascus knives and they don't have a speck of rust on them. For many years I just used Valvoline motor oil on them.

 

[shane45-1911]

Also, can I store it in it's sheath over an extended period. The sheath is leather and I think I read someplace that it could be bad for the Damascus.

I believe I already answered that question in my first post. It's bad for any carbon steel knife (not just damascus). Leather absorbs and retains moisture, and you don't want your blade in a moisture-trapping sheath. It also has dyes and chemicals used for curing and tanning that can discolor your blade.

And CLP is just fine.

 

[22_boomer]

After a good coat of Ren wax, I f it’s a real beautiful pattern I would find a display box to fit the knife and sheath in. With a glass cover. Hobby Lobby or a thrift shop.

For some reason the display box never crossed my mind -- thanks for that,

 

[22_boomer]

I believe I already answered that question in my first post. It's bad for any carbon steel knife (not just damascus). Leather absorbs and retains moisture, and you don't want your blade in a moisture-trapping sheath. It also has dyes and chemicals used for curing and tanning that can discolor your blade.

And CLP is just fine.

I was hoping the CLP was ok since that's what I used on it but I also went and ordered that wax. I think I like the idea of using the wax but the delivery is a week away and I wanted to be sure the metal was protected so I used the CLP.

 

[sickpuppy1]

I like Ren wax, but absolutely nothing wrong with CLP, people have using it on knives and firearms for many years.

 

[22_boomer]

I like Ren wax, but absolutely nothing wrong with CLP, people have using it on knives and firearms for many years.

I like CLP and have used it on many things but I am completely unfamiliar with Ren Wax. Is it a pure wax without the very fine abrasives that most polish waxes have? The reason I ask has nothing to do with knives but I have some case colored stuff that could use a protective coating without making it feel oily.

 

[sickpuppy1]

Yes it is pure wax no polish in it. It was invented for protection of very valuable antiques, but has such high qualities it’s used on many different products.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Renaissance Wax is designed to be easy to apply and easy to buff off. It's not designed for pieces that will be handled or used.
Johnson's paste wax or neutral shoe polish hold up better in use.

 

[Honed_Edge]

Renaissance Wax is designed to be easy to apply and easy to buff off. It's not designed for pieces that will be handled or used.
Johnson's paste wax or neutral shoe polish hold up better in use.

From the manufactures description...

"Renaissance Wax lasts so long and works so well that even the most frugal woodworker will find it a genuine value. It is an excellent polishing agent for any wood or metal surface, leaving an extremely hard, thin coating of astonishing durability..."

Not saying anyone is wrong, just sharing product descriptions. I've never used it personally but hear a lot of good. I have several damascus 21's and always said I would use it. But so far, they still look nice despite use.