rust proofing

Any kind of oil will do, like the 3-in-1, mineral oil, any decent gun oil. Not rocket science even though some folks will over complicate it. Look at how the old Vikings and conquistadors sailed across oceans with carbon steel tools and weapons. Mountain men spent a winter at a time in the Rocky Mountains with their skinning knives, tomahawks and Hawken rifles using bear grease or goose oil on the steel.

In a pinch, I've used Chapstick to rustproof a blade in damp jungle environment like Vietnam. Worked pretty good.

A lot of it depends on if these knives are going to be stored away or carried in a etc rotation? If they are carried, just wipe them off with a dry bandana in the morning and evening. Put a little smear of Chapstick on your index finger, rub against your thumb to put a coating on the thumb and index finger then gently wipe down blade between the thumb and index finger. Fold up and drop in pocket and your good to go in humid summer temps.

Oh, and let that blade patina. The more it darkens, the patina will give it some low grade protection.
 
You could spray them with Duracoat. It comes in a variety of colors and if you take time and do the proper prep, the finish is very durable and rust resistant.

Edit... my bad, I read your post too quickly and thought you were referring to tactical pens.
 
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"bear grease" takes the cake :) ... where can I get some please?

On a serious note, 3-in-1 oil has been proven the best of the oils tested, but only if you are OK with the milky residue it leaves on the blade (like cloudy patina).
For long storage my favorite is a Lanonlin Grease (e.g. Lanox), but grease is greasy.
The best compromise between presentation and good rust protection IMHO is Tuf Glide.
 
wootzblade said:
"bear grease" takes the cake :) ... where can I get some please?

On a serious note, 3-in-1 oil has been proven the best of the oils tested, but only if you are OK with the milky residue it leaves on the blade (like cloudy patina).
For long storage my favorite is a Lanonlin Grease (e.g. Lanox), but grease is greasy.
The best compromise between presentation and good rust protection IMHO is Tuf Glide.
Click to expand...
wootzblade said:
"bear grease" takes the cake :) ... where can I get some please?

On a serious note, 3-in-1 oil has been proven the best of the oils tested, but only if you are OK with the milky residue it leaves on the blade (like cloudy patina).
For long storage my favorite is a Lanonlin Grease (e.g. Lanox), but grease is greasy.
The best compromise between presentation and good rust protection IMHO is Tuf Glide.
Click to expand...


thank you for your time and assistance
 
Bear grease was used on blackpowder guns, because it was available, but also because petroleum based lubricants cause heavy fouling. Blackpowder shooters now use Crisco or a product called WonderLube. Either would also work good on a knife.
 
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