Storing Collection - Tool Chest?

Generalist

Generalist

Gold Member
Joined
May 10, 2025
Messages
191
Hi All,

I'm considering storing my collection indoors in a tool chest with sliding drawers lined with some kind of rubber mat. This would allow the knives to be laid out single file where they could be viewed easily just by opening a drawer. This is the idea:

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My knives have all variety of stainless and non stainless steels and handles that range from phenolic to wood to antler or horn.

The concern:

Will laying the knives on rubber mats lead to any corrosion or other long term damage to the bottom side of the knives?
 
Look at US General Series 2 (discontinued) if you can find a clean used set. The drawers on both the top and bottom are shallower. I have a Series 2 top chest NIB pruchased before the change over sitting in my basement. The drawers on the current Series 3 boxes are deeper, better for tools perhaps but not knives. Your are going to have problem with any plastics in contact with the mats. Personally I would not lay the knives out directly, look for shallow trays..
 
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What Dale Eichberg did here is probably the ultimate custom toolbox toybox!
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I picked up a small Craftsman to house what I decide to keep after downsizing (heresy, I know). It is replacing an extremely cheap HF machinist-type scrap wood tool box that's starting to fall apart.

One thing I discovered in a roundabout way - the Craftsman rubber drawer liner left black staining where I let the roll sit for a couple days. Not sure if all brand drawer liners will be the same.

I've also tried the nubbed rubber kitchen drawer/ shelf liner and found marks on knives where they rested on the material.

I'm currently using microfiber rags as drawer liner. Not as neat, but won't be transferring anything to the knives.

IMHO natural cork is better. Haven't tried closed cell foam yet.

What I'm using, rubber liner material installed before I knew it would transfer stuff with prolonged contact.
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I think tool boxes make for great storage options. I'd recommend making sure to get one big enough to allow for growth. Also, I've found that the drawers are what matter, and the openable tops don't add that much and make it harder to stack/make the most out of the space.

I've got an antique Gerstner tool chest, but they've gotten pretty pricey and most of them have operable tops.

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I use a top chest type toolbox, three drawers and top lid storage for my knives and it works great. It’s lockable and can tote it around easily. I have about 70 knives in it from small folders to large fixed blades including sheaths.
 
DeSotoSky said:
What Dale Eichberg did here is probably the ultimate custom toolbox toybox!
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Thanks so very much. The there are two full diamond plate slides that cover the front when away. I have thought about selling this as I have a new set up. It’s extremely heavy but on large rollers and can handle all 10 drawers open at one time. It was a fun build. Appreciate the shout out.
 
DLE60 said:
Thanks so very much. The there are two full diamond plate slides that cover the front when away. I have thought about selling this as I have a new set up. It’s extremely heavy but on large rollers and can handle all 10 drawers open at one time. It was a fun build. Appreciate the shout out.
Click to expand...
It's an impressive cabinet and very professional in appearance. Very cool!
 
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