To sheath or not to sheath

[golok]

I have heard from some people that if you keep your knives in the sheath for too long a time, either rust or some other chemical reaction residue will surface.

I know this does not happen to all knives. It really depends on the knives and the materials that make up the sheath.

From where I come from (tropics), the heat and the humidity do funny things to metals, especially to blades.

What are some of the best solutions to fight this condition, be it rust, fungus or some ugly stains?

 

[jayharley]

I believe that this is a reaction from the leather or certain dyes in the leather. To my knowledge, this does not happen with a kydex (or similar) sheath.

In fact most leather sheath makers advise that you do not store your knives in the sheath for this very reason.