Renaissance Wax Question

J

johnfbkennedyy

Joined
Feb 22, 2021
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Hi all! So I just bought some renaissance wax to coat my knife blades and some stag handles, but I'm having some trouble. So, I'm applying the wax with a cloth and the instructions state to remove excess by wiping it down (most times I wait a couple of seconds and then wipe down the lines/marks of the wax once it hardens). Problem is, after doing the whole process I feel like the blade has zero to none wax applied, texture of blade is the same and it leaves finger print marks. Am I doing something wrong or is this how it should end up behaving/feeling after applying renaissance wax?

Thanks in advance!
 
Keep in mind that Ren wax is micro-crystalline, and is all about infiltrating tiny voids in the steel structure more than building up a thick glossy layer. It will take several applications before those tiny voids are sufficiently built up to start to form a smooth, glossy layer. A Damasteel blade I recently treated took about 5 application/wiping cycles before I could no longer feel the grain structure and the blade became smooth and glossy.

Also, I believe the importance of a suitable wiping cloth can’t be overstated. Try an old, well-broken in 100% cotton t-shirt👍.
 
entropy1049 said:
Keep in mind that Ren wax is micro-crystalline, and is all about infiltrating tiny voids in the steel structure more than building up a thick glossy layer. It will take several applications before those tiny voids are sufficiently built up to start to form a smooth, glossy layer. A Damasteel blade I recently treated took about 5 application/wiping cycles before I could no longer feel the grain structure and the blade became smooth and glossy.

Also, I believe the importance of a suitable wiping cloth can’t be overstated. Try an old, well-broken in 100% cotton t-shirt👍.
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Awesome thanks! Yes I have been using a new micro-fibre cloth to wipe. So what you're saying is that the voids are already filled although I don't see a complete layer on it? Is one layer necessary or do I have to completely multi coat it?

Thanks in advance
 
johnfbkennedyy said:
Awesome thanks! Yes I have been using a new micro-fibre cloth to wipe. So what you're saying is that the voids are already filled although I don't see a complete layer on it? Is one layer necessary or do I have to completely multi coat it?

Thanks in advance
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You have received all good advise here, i do it a bit differently. I leave it for 30 minutes, then buff, then leave it for 24 hours, then repeat, i normally do this 3 times, but you can do it more times as stated. This method works a treat on wood.
 
johnfbkennedyy said:
Awesome thanks! Yes I have been using a new micro-fibre cloth to wipe. So what you're saying is that the voids are already filled although I don't see a complete layer on it? Is one layer necessary or do I have to completely multi coat it?

Thanks in advance
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Yup- when the surface structure of the blade has been filled to level with wax, it will begin to form a smooth layer. This layer is HARD and clear.

I usually apply 3-5 good coats.
 
So, if it's a folder, how do you deal with the pivot end of the blade? Just do the best you can, or is there a specific technique?
 
Mister Coffee said:
So, if it's a folder, how do you deal with the pivot end of the blade? Just do the best you can, or is there a specific technique?
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Renaissance Wax is best used for long term storage or display, not for actively used knives. It'll scratch off. But if you mean a folder that can't be disassembled, then yeah just get a cotton swab down in there.
 
I just apply the wax, give it 1 or 2 minutes and wipe off. 1 coat and done. Never had an issue and my knives are in the basement. The basement is heated and cooled but far from a perfect climate controlled area.
 
mobenzowner said:
I just apply the wax, give it 1 or 2 minutes and wipe off. 1 coat and done. Never had an issue and my knives are in the basement. The basement is heated and cooled but far from a perfect climate controlled area.
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Thanks and couple of questions :
1. Do you apply a thick coat or just a normal coat that is barely visible?
2. How much pressure do you apply when wiping off?

Thanks in advance
 
I have used it for years on long term storage of knives.
Thin coating, let dry for 5-10 min and wipe off.
Several coatings does help, piece of mind for valuable knives.

Regards,
FK
 
I just got some Ren Wax and was looking for application tips. What's been said so far has been very helpful but I have more questions and this seems to be the most recent and general thread related to Ren Wax. Regarding the first application, there's usually some factory oil on the knives. Do you use dish soap to completely remove any oil, dry, then apply Ren Wax? Or do you just wipe off the factory oil and go straight to applying the Ren Wax?
 
I usually take 90% alcohol and wipe off what I plan to wax. Don't use the alcohol on cellidor scales of swiss army knives as it will mess up the finish. You could also use lacquer thinner or acetone as well on blades but it is stronger then the alcohol.
 
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