Question about O1

C

cbiner

Joined
Feb 18, 2010
Messages
51
I apologize if this has been covered before. I did a few searches and couldn't find a good answer. My question is how well does O1 do near saltwater? Can I take it sea kayaking? Can I use it on shore for general camping chores? Is it enough to keep it clean and oiled after each use or am I taking an unnecessary risk? I've read that it will rust if washed a left to dry. Is that in minutes? Hours? Days?

Perhaps I must buy a few FF's in stainless? :D

Thanks for taking the time.
 
I never let my knives drip/air dry... I always towel dry, then leave out to air dry to completion before reinserting them in leather. I try to oil them before I take them on the boat. I've never had a rust issue in the woods, but when careless, I have when fishing. I carry a stainless one now when fishing! Patina seems to help protect the O1 from rusting as easily! I do love O1 and go out of my way to take care of it... mighty good for all tasks and gets so sharp!

-Will
 
I live on the west coast, in Canada, about 4 blocks from the ocean. I use lots of carbon steel knives, and have about 12 in 01 steel, uncoated. I do lots of overnights and week long trips. I use the knife, wipe it on my pants, put it in the sheath during the day. Before bed, I wipe it down with a bit of oil or tallow. I've never had a problem. If it does get a rust spot, just clean it off with some metal polish or the slurry from a fine water stone when you get home. In my view, a little maintenance is all that is needed, and people worry too much about non-stainless steels. Hope that helps. But buy some SS fiddlebacks anyways :) can't hurt :)
 
Thanks Rhiney. Exactly what I was looking for. So the take away is I'm good to go but should buy some in stainless anyway ;)
 
I live on salt water and take my O1 knives camping and even beach camping. It may rust a little, but I would NEVER take mine when I kayak fishing.
 
I bought a few S35VN Fiddlebacks for using when kayaking and fishing in the ocean. O1 gets rust spots fast, but it is usually easy to polish out.
 
I would agree with what's been said above. If you don't mind a nice patina and use some common sense I think you'll do just fine with 01 anywhere you go.
 
I live on the coast and have never looked for a stainless knife. Just a little proper care and you will be good to go.
 
cbiner said:
I apologize if this has been covered before. I did a few searches and couldn't find a good answer. My question is how well does O1 do near saltwater? Can I take it sea kayaking? Can I use it on shore for general camping chores? Is it enough to keep it clean and oiled after each use or am I taking an unnecessary risk? I've read that it will rust if washed a left to dry. Is that in minutes? Hours? Days?

Perhaps I must buy a few FF's in stainless? :D

Thanks for taking the time.
Click to expand...

01 is tough and easy to sharpen and holds an edge well, but it does not resist rust at all. The post below sums up how I care for mine. Wipe on my pants before sheathing, then mineral oil occasionally. I also expect and enjoy a patina on my 01 knives. I wouldn't take an 01 knife ocean fishing at all. And in the kitchen, keeping it dry is key.

Rhiney said:
I live on the west coast, in Canada, about 4 blocks from the ocean. I use lots of carbon steel knives, and have about 12 in 01 steel, uncoated. I do lots of overnights and week long trips. I use the knife, wipe it on my pants, put it in the sheath during the day. Before bed, I wipe it down with a bit of oil or tallow. I've never had a problem. If it does get a rust spot, just clean it off with some metal polish or the slurry from a fine water stone when you get home. In my view, a little maintenance is all that is needed, and people worry too much about non-stainless steels. Hope that helps. But buy some SS fiddlebacks anyways :) can't hurt :)
Click to expand...

This is exactly what I think about carbon and maintainance. Thanks for the great post.
 
Thanks again for all the responses and good info. I've learned a ton around here and I really appreciate it.
 
Just to second Andy I use mineral oil on mine all the time. The stuff is great and a little better for you if you use your knife for cooking!
 
whitty said:
Just to second Andy I use mineral oil on mine all the time. The stuff is great and a little better for you if you use your knife for cooking!
Click to expand...

I'll third this (as if it needs it). I use mineral oil exclusively as any of my knives might be pressed into food service at any time. Works great for maintaining the handles as well. Keeps the wood well hydrated and the micarta nice and shiny. Rub some on, let it soak in, buff it out.
 
A couple of things I might add...

I like USP mineral oil. It's the stuff you get in the laxative section at the store. Don't worry, for our purposes there is no laxative effect. I like this type because it's a bit thicker than other min oils. It's also excellent for thirsty sharpening stones, like the often recommended Norton "economy" SiC stone sold at Home Depot. (wipe a little petroleum jelly on the stone faces helps too).

The other thing is Bar Keepers Friend. This is a cleaning product sold next to Ajax scouring powder. BKF has oxalic acid and does a fine job of eating rust. Mix a little with water to make a paste then rub it on any rust spots. Don't let it sit for too long. A minute is plenty. May need to do this twice. BKF is the best thing I've ever seen for cleaning ceramic stones and rods too. It eats the embedded swarf and leaves the stone like new. It won't adversely affect the ceramic so no worries about how long it stays on the stone.

After cleaning any spotting on your knife use the oil and you're set.

Thank me later. ;)
 
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