?'s re knife storage

A

Aeneas

Joined
Dec 24, 2001
Messages
73
I am new to this knife stuff. I got two great knives for Christmas - a Leatherman Wave and a Buck 110 Folding Hunter. The Leatherman came with a cordura-type sheath. I plan to carry it daily in that sheath. The Buck came with a leather sheath. I will not carry the Buck except when camping or hiking.

I assume that the cordura sheath is fine for the Leatherman, i.e., the sheath will not cause any damage to the tool and vice-versa. Is it OK to store the Buck 110 in the leather sheath when not in use? I seem to recall some posts indicating that the sheath could damage the knife, or vice-versa.

TIA
 
Aeneas,welcome to the Forum.Yes You are correct in that the Leatherman will be o.k. in it's nylon sheath.You are also correct in questioning if the Buck 110 would be alright in it's leather sheath.The answer is no.The tanning acid in the leather causes the brass to corrode.If You don't mind wiping off green crayon like stuff every time You go to use Your Buck leave it in it's sheath.I don't.I hope this helps.tom.
 
Thanks. So if not in the leather sheath, where do I keep the Buck? Loose in a desk drawer? In a ziploc bag? Where? Sorry if the answer is obvious, but I don't know.
 
If you don't have anything better an old sock will keep it from getting drawer dings.
Mike
 
Here's the method I've used for years......

All folding knives are stored with blade closed in the
sheath they belong in. I wrap the entire closed knife in wax
paper or plastic food wrap (two turns min.) and place it in
sheath. The knife is wiped down with a very light coat of
oil before storage be it straight blade or folding.

If you don't want to do this then oil and store loose with the
straight blades in a homemade cardboard sleeve.

Also make sure you store all your knives where you won't forget
they are there!! Good luck ,mate.
 
Welcome to the forums, Aeneas!

Tom is right about the leather sheath corroding the brass and producing a nasty green waxy substance. A few months ago I purchased an older 110 at a knife show that appeared to be unused. The only problem it had was the brass was literally covered with verdigris, that green stuff. After cleaning it off and polishing with Simichrome the bolsters were covered with many small pits, none of which were deep but gave the brass a mottled appearance. I've since polished the pits out but it took quite a bit of time and elbow grease.

You should be able to find a cordura nylon sheath that will fit your 110 at a home center or hardware store. Or, if you prefer, Buck does have cordura sheaths that will fit the 110 for $13.00 plus shipping. After all that, though, Mike's idea of an old sock will work just fine, as long as you don't try to wear it with the knife in it. ;)
 
Thanks for all the info. Your responses have raised a few more questions for me:

1) As to the Buck 110, does the leather cause the brass to corrode only if the knife is stored in the sheath for long periods, or also just from carrying it in the sheath for a weekend, such as when camping? In other words, should I never put the knife in the leather sheath at all, unless it is plastic-wrapped first? If so, why do they bother to sell the knife with a leather sheath in the first place?

2) Does this problem occur with other knives, or is it specific to the Buck 110 because of the brass? Are there knives with which it is OK to use a leather sheath?

Thanks again for the help.
 
It's perfectly OK to carry your 110 in its leather case for a weekend or even on a continued basis.The problem of corrosion occurs when the knife is "stored" in the case for extended periods.As long as you remove the knife and wipe it down regularly you won't have a corrosion buildup.This problem occurs with any knife with brass fittings.
Mike
 
Whilst we're on the subject what about Kydex, I appear to have gotten away with my ARCLITE living in it's sheath most of the time. But is this good practice? I figured it shipped in the sheath, it's probably ok.
 
Aeneas, My comments are aimed at LONG term storage.

I store the folding knives in their sheaths to maintain the leather
shape / fit and to avoid mixup as some are custom made for the knife.
The fixed are stored in cardboard sleeves as I discribed. What is important,
and has been mentioned already, is to keep DIRECT contact between the leather
and the metal (any metal) from happening. It only takes a thin layer of plastic
or wax paper to do that.

As far as daily or once in awhile use I find that the skin oil from normal
handling is enough to protect the metal if the knife is clean (really clean)
when stored.
 
Young Cutter, There are no leather tanning acids in Kydex so there is
no worries mate unlesss the knife is stored wet or in a damp place.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top