Care Of Knives

[Ruff]

Howdy all,

My wife bought me some Damascus knives for Valentine's day. Well the care instructions said not to store them in the shieths. I was just wondering how I should store them? Wrapped in fabric with a light oil coating or what?

Thank you?

[St. George]

Some guys like to store them with a coat of 'Renaissance Wax' - a microcrystalline wax used by museums.

Scouts Out!

[Ruff]

Howdy St. George,

Thanks for the reply. I have a couple of questions. I plan to Google 'Renaissance Wax', but thought I would ask here also. How much should I put on a knife? Is it easy to care for? I mean most things in a muesuim are touched very little. I was planing on using the knifes for matches and such. So can I apply and wipe off with out hurting the blades or is this mainly for display?

Thank you.

[Ruff]

Found some info on Wikipedia that was interesting. Here is the link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renaissance_Wax if anyone wants to read up on it.

I know that Wikipedia gets a bad rap so if wrong please let me know so I know what it right.

[St. George]

You can use it readily - just follow the instructions.

The guys who use it most aren't handling their stuff - they're gazing at it - but if you're looking at how best to 'store' them, then this is a good option.

I use a lightly-oiled cloth to wipe a blade clean after use - but I use the knife.

But that's 'me' - and I like a usable piece.

Scouts Out!

[Ruff]

Howdy St. George,

When I said storing, I meant putting away. My loving wife will not let me leave my toys laying out. Actually if we had the room I would get one of those coffee tables with the glass top so they would be on display, yet handy to use.

Thanks for your input.

[Camano Ridge]

Ruff, I am a knife maker, none of my knives leave the shop without a coat of Renaissance wax on them I use it on the handlees, guards and blades. I apply it by finger tip  and then wipe with soft cloth. I do not reccomend leaving any knife or gun in leather, leather can collect moisture and cause rust on carbon steel. My question was going to be are the knives displayed when not in use, you answered that question. I have not checked cabellas, however for about $6.00 you can get a knife case to keep your knife in. You can alos get Renaissance wax from knife making suppliers also. Be prepared the wax is about $20.00 a can but will last a very long time. You can also get a silacone gun cloth for about $6.00 and wipe your blade down with that occasionaly for protection. One rule you failed to follow. Whenever asking information about knives or guns you must post a picture of the item.

Here is Texas knife supply scroll down the page for the zipper knife cases. They also carry the wax

[GunClick Rick]

I use it on this knife~



take the hangers out once and awhile and rub them down~

[Ruff]

Howdy Camano Ridge,

I had seen the price of the wax when I looked it up after St. George suggested it. So I am ready for it. Thank you for the care instructions. I am out and can't post pics until Monday or Tuesday, should I post pics with them in the sheaths too?

Rick,

Nice knives.

[Blair]

Suggestion:

A good quality carbon steel blade that one may use in food preparation and/or cooking should be treated with a good, unsalted. cooking oil/grease before storing or putting away. An oil or grease that one does not mind using during the actual cooking of their food.

Petroleum based oils or grease may contaminate your food preparation with either a bad taste or with indigestible contaminates.
Just a thought?
My best,
Blair

[bowiemaker]

Don't forget the handles. A good soaking in mineral oil once a year will help keep stag, horn and ivory from drying out and cracking.