Store KA-Bar in Sheath?

[LongRifleVA]

I just picked up my first non-pocket knife.

I purchased a full sized KA-Bar with the leather sheath.

I never store my pistols in leather holsters, should I not store my KA-Bar in the leather sheath??? or is this different than a gun?

 

[Hair]

No, it isn't different. In general, it is a bad idea to store a knife in a leather sheath. And the carbon steel of the KA-BAR is not stainless (and stainless will rust anyways).

However, this is really just for long term storage.

KA-BARs sit in the leather sheath in the warehouse or store, waiting for you to buy it. And I have kept my KA-BAR in the sheath and have had no problems.

But I would not keep it there if I was going to store the knife for a long period of time. I also wipe the edge down with Tuf-cloth to protect it.

Keep in mind that only the sharpened edge of the knife is exposed. So if it does rust... just sharpen it!

So if I were you, I would not worry about it. Though I would put some sort of wax or protectant on the edge, and I would try to use the knife every now and then instead of putting it in a drawer for 5 years.

 

[LongRifleVA]

Sounds like good advice

I perform routine maint on my guns, I will just do the same for the knife... actually knives, I bought 2.

The information is much appreciated.

 

[t1mpani]

The tannic acids in leather sheaths are the principle reason behind it being frowned upon, but those dry up after the sheath is two or three months old. That's straight from the mouth of Kenny Rowe, folks.

All my knives have always lived in their sheaths, and I have almost never had a rust problem, except recently where it was actually contact with a brass rivet that was causing problems, not the leather. Very good advice though--about giving the blades a wipedown before long-term storage. Personally, I Renwax all my knives after use before I put them away (if they need to be recoated--it sticks pretty good through a lot of uses), but more to keep them sharp through preventing edge oxidation than fear of serious rust.

I know many will have stories of horrible blocks of red flakiness where their blades used to be, but it just hasn't been my experience. And my non-stainless knives vastly outnumber the stainless. Just clean it up well and make sure it's dry (knife and sheath) and you'll be good to go.