Smooth Sharpening Steels Need Rust Protection??

[Raptor]

Hi all,
I have a question that I have been pondering for some time now and my brain seems to be fighting with itself and can't come to a resolve.

The question is basically as the subject line indicates....

Do we need to rust protect our smooth sharpening steels?

And if so, what would you suggest?

I am inclined to believe that they should be protected and a coating of Ren Wax should do the trick. Can you think of any reasons why this wouldn't work or why I shouldn't do this?

I guess what I'm getting to is this. As it seems to appear, to me at least, the smooth steel is better than a grooved steel and a smooth steel with even the slightest rust pits are no good at all. If this is so, then shouldn't we protect these smooth steels as we would the steel blades of our knives? I plan on owning and using my "Hand American" steel for years to come and I don't want to find later on that it's damaged only because I was afraid to put a coating of Ren Wax on it now.

I know that this will seem like a simple, almost dumb, question to some of you but I ask it to achieve clarity. At least in my mind anyway.

--The Raptor--

 

[AF]

I doubt sharpening steels are made from rust-prone steel types. My Razor Edge System folding steel never leaves the house. It is always clean and dry. I don't worry about it. Sorry I can't provide you with a definitive answer.

 

[Jeff Clark]

I mostly just wipe my steel occasionally with a dry cloth. For a smooth steel I would be more concerned to have a smooth finish. For a ribbed steel I worry less because I intend for it to be slightly abrasive. The steels that I have used are all nonstainless. I have heard that A2 alloy is sometimes used. That would make sense since I believe that it is what most "drill rod" is made out of.

 

[william8]

I have bought a smooth steel from hand America used it and left it in the back seat of my car for a about a month and a half went back to use it and I was shocked at what I saw it was full of rust! Yes make sure that you use some thing to keep the rust off it when not in use!I learned the hard way they do rust.

 

[Raptor]

Originally posted by william8
I have bought a smooth steel from hand America used it and left it in the back seat of my car for a about a month and a half went back to use it and I was shocked at what I saw it was full of rust! Yes make sure that you use some thing to keep the rust off it when not in use!I learned the hard way they do rust.

Dammmnnnn William!!!
That is exactly what I don't want to happen!! Thanks for this information. I'll heed your warning.

AF & Jeff,
Thanks to both of you for responding. I don't know why, but not until I read your posts, had I even thought about calling Hand American to see what type of steel they use.
Thanks for your input.

--The Raptor--