Knife care

[othello]

Hi I was just wondering if anyone could tell me how to take care of a carbon steel blade i have never had a decent knife and didn't want to spend alot then wreck the knife after a couple of weeks, do you just make sure that it's dry? or is there more to it?

[Martyn]

It's simple, after every use, clean it, dry it and oil it. You can use any oil in the field, olive oil, motor oil, goose fat, whatever is at hand. Try to keep it as dry as possible and if it does get wet, dry it off as soon as possible and re-oil. For storage at home, a superb product is renaissance wax. Use a thin layer over the whole knife, metal, wood the lot and buff it in. DO NOT store the knife inside a leather sheath for extended periods.

[bigjackbrass]

And my favourite tip for knife care: Don't lend it to anyone else. Ever.

[MartiniDave]

I agree with BJB, but try telling the wife she can't use "that knife" for dressing game or kitchen chores! :-o
Be ready to duck.

Dave

[Dave Barker]

I'd also suggest that the sheath is rubbed in with a good leather fat to stop the water saoking through it.

Remeber that is is just as important to look after the sheath as it is the knife.

[The General]

I use Militech-1 or Marine Sentry Tuf Cloth.

[ESpy]

On the Tuf-Cloth, Wayne - it says to moisten with "mineral spirits". Am I right in translating this into white spirit over here?

[ChrisKavanaugh]

Mineral Oil= white spirit On another user note, make it a habit to return your knife to the sheath immedietely when not in use. It is to easy to misplace it, or worse impale yourself when distracted.

[ESpy]

Thanks, Chris - my cloth is now suitably rejuvenated.