Soaking stag questions...

Mongo

Mongo

Joined
Nov 5, 2001
Messages
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Greetings all, I figured this may be the best forum for my questions. I have two fixed blade stag-handled knives, and one stag handled slipjoint. I know about soaking them in mineral oil once a year for approx 24 hrs.
Is there any problem with immersing the entire blade into a shallow dish? I would have to take off a rawhide fob on each knife, but that is no biggie. Would there be any problems with MO getting under the slabs if that is possible?
With the slipjoint, would it be advisable to immerse the whole knife, or just brush on a light coat of MO, one side at a time? I would worry about the insides getting all gunked up.
Thank you in advance for your answers,
Mongo
 
forgot to add... both fixed blades are exposed tang knives.
thanks, Mongo
 
I don't think it would be a problem at all, even on the folder. Mineral oil is one of the better lubes too, just blow out the inside of the folder. Mineral oil won't gel up.
 
My two cents worth. On a knife with bolsters on both ends (slip joint?) soaking the entire piece could cause expansion problems. When the material tries to move against both ends at once it ain't pretty. I learned this the hard way.
 
Thanks for your hard earned advice Mr. Winston. How should I go about with the stag handled slipjoint... it's a Dr. pattern if that makes any difference. I thought that maybe I could "brush" it with some mineral oil soaked onto a Q-tip and do one side at a time. I presume that it is still safe to dunk the fixed blades? One of them does have a stainless steel (?) bolster though.
Thanks, Mongo
 
I do not think you will have a problem with knives with single bolsters. And you may never have a problem with the other either but there is always a chance. Surface treatment should be fine to prevent moisture from going into the material if this is what you are after.
My experience came from milling automatic liners and bolsters from one solid piece. I was so intent on getting dead nut fits with everything I did not allow for any expansion. I checked and double checked to make sure everything was straight and square. When I installed the handle scales I was applying adhesive to the bottom and both ends. On autos it is mandatory (IMO) that everything be flat and parallel. When the knife refused to operate I always discovered upon taking it apart that the sides all looked like rainbows. After throwing some to all points of the yard:D I finally figured out the problem. Enough adhesive was soaking into the scales plus a little bit at the end, I was getting some expansion when it dried. Pushing in opposite directions it naturally made everything into a nice even curve. Hope this helps.
 
I would, if your the one adding the bolsters, soak the stuff first letting it set where it wants to.
then use it. then soak in the oil when needed later.
I haven't had this problem as of yet (pushing any bolsters off.)
there always could be a chance that time will come..
 
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