What oil should one use to protect carbon steel?

S

Stainz

Joined
Jun 24, 2007
Messages
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What is the best oil to use for protecting good carbon steel blades from oxidation? I have heard everything from gun oil to 3-in-1 oil to Marvel Mystery Oil to mineral oil. What is best?

Stainz
 
On my work knives in the wood shop, I just put a few drops of linseed oil. Mostly because I use the instead oil every day anyway. I think Veggie oil would work and I have used Vaseline.
 
I have an old garage soaked rag that is a combo of 10w30 from oil changes to WD-40, Break Free, Hoppes, 3 in 1, you name it. I wipe down all my blades, tomahawks and tools with it and it works great. When it gets too ratty, I toss it out and start all over again. Just be sure to keep it grit free.

I always keep a can of 3 in 1 around. That's what was in my Dad's garage when I was a kid.
 
hatchetjack said:
I have an old garage soaked rag that is a combo of 10w30 from oil changes to WD-40, Break Free, Hoppes, 3 in 1, you name it. I wipe down all my blades, tomahawks and tools with it and it works great. When it gets too ratty, I toss it out and start all over again. Just be sure to keep it grit free.

I always keep a can of 3 in 1 around. That's what was in my Dad's garage when I was a kid.
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I concur with the oily rag. If you just wipe your knife every day you will never have a problem. Most people run in to problems because they get lazy and rust never sleeps.
 
I really like Camellia oil compared to WD40, gun oil, Renaissance wax and such as it seems to stay on longer, does not get gummy (thus attracting dirt) and gives a very nice sheen (not too dull/not too glossy).

Can be purchased from Blade Gallery. Swordmakers from the far east have been using it for hundreds of years.
 
Let’s see if we can find the right forum …
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Camelia oil, baby oil, and mineral oil-all bascally the same thing.
 
Any oil will work. Vaseline will work. Camelia oil and baby oil are simply scented mineral oil.
3 in 1 oil, motor oil, WD 40, Breakfree, Rem oil, etc.
You still need to inspect your knife frequently for rust.
For long term storage, coat the steel liberally with automotive grease and wrap it in waxed paper.
 
Bill DeShivs said:
Any oil will work. Vaseline will work. Camelia oil and baby oil are simply scented mineral oil.3 in 1 oil, motor oil, WD 40, Breakfree, Rem oil, etc.
You still need to inspect your knife frequently for rust.
For long term storage, coat the steel liberally with automotive grease and wrap it in waxed paper.
Click to expand...

Camelia oil is extracted from the Camelia tree leaf and has no sent what so ever.
 
On safe queens, Vaseline. Spread thinly, it is re-spreadable without having to reapply.

:)
 
First make sure your knife blade is clean. If you seal over water, finger prints, etc you may still get rust. This won't make you happy if you go to the trouble of putting something on the blade!

In the past I have used plain old mineral oil. It is widely available and pretty cheap. Works good to.

If you don't like a residue on your blades renaissance wax works pretty good!

In the kitchen the spray oils like PAM work really well.

Tom
 
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