What is the best way to protect knives for storage?

[ronfaircloth]

I started collecting a while back and am surprised at how many knives I've accumulated. Most knives I buy come boxed in a clear plastic sleeve, sometimes wrapped tightly in paper (acid free?) first, sometimes not, then sometimes in their balistic sheath, sometimes not. I want to pack some of my collection for storage and do so in a way that won't hurt their finish (handle or blade) in any way. I know not to keep them in their leather sheath if they came in one, but that's about it. Can they be stored safely in the same manner they were packaged when purchased, boxed, in a clear poly sleve? Should they be wrapped in acid free tissue paper first? Please advise, thanks, Ron

 

[co556guy]

do you live in a humid environment?

do you have a lot of high carbon blades

did any of your knives come with LEATHER sheaths.

do you live in a salty area, like around an ocean?

Personally, if I am going to store something that is easily corroded for a long time and not planning on using it..........I put those things in an ammo can with silica descant packs.

HOWEVER, if you live in an dry area, you could probably just leave them in the boxes, as the paper will naturally draw in moisture, away from the knife so long as stored in a temperature controlled environment.

Leather traps moisture, and will keep it right against your blades if it hits moist air for a while, or condensation is a problem (temperature shifts).

Personally, the descant in an ammo can would be what I would do if I were looking for long term storage and wanted to be sure that they stayed dry. You just can't be opening and closing the can daily........

 

[ronfaircloth]

Thanks for your response. I live in a dry area. One of my main concerns is the clear poly bag/sleve most knives come in.

 

[Jastab]

I store all my benchmades in there bag they come with, and my spydercos I store in a giant drawstring sack. All oiled with ballistol before putting them in the safe. I don't have to worry about humdity or anything, i just like to keep things consistant.

 

[ronfaircloth]

Thanks for responding. With your Spydercos, they ususaly come in a clear poly sleve/bag. After oiling them, do you put them back in that sleve/bag, then in their box, before you put them in your giant drawstring sack?

 

[Jastab]

Thanks for responding. With your Spydercos, they ususaly come in a clear poly sleve/bag. After oiling them, do you put them back in that sleve/bag, then in their box, before you put them in your giant drawstring sack?

Some people may freak out when I say this, but I throw away all my boxes. I buy knives to keep them, whether I like them or not. I never intend to sell a knife, nor do I plan on making a quick buck on sprint runs or any of that b.s. So why keep the box? Plus it takes up a lot of space. Giving away a knife is another story tho. But in your case I would oil it and bag it in the sleeve, there will be no harm done.