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Knife Care /2010-11

When storing your knives,what kind of oils do you use?
And do you wrap your knives in what kind of material?
Do you leave them in the boxes?
What kind of cleaners do you use?
Is there things you do different on Carbon steel vs Stainless?
An if you have over 500 knives in your collection do you have
a sch. that you clean & oil certain amount?
Thank-you for your time an answers!

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Permalink Reply by John Broughton, Jr. on December 8, 2009 at 12:46

I use a finger coating of Marvel Mystery Oil. Very light coat just to cover metal surfaces. Make sure to wipe off any other material which contact is made-oil will darken most wood and ivory in time. I also keep my knifes in safe with a golden rod hummidifier-did I spell that right?

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Permalink Reply by Nate Andrews on December 22, 2009 at 22:34

wow I was just going to ask this same question. anywho I have been cleaning mine with warm water then spraying down the blade and pivot screw with gun barrel cleaner. good idea or not?

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Permalink Reply by Jim Prather on December 27, 2009 at 23:11

I use Renaissance Wax on every knife I have. I store them in drawers of knife cases, in display cases, etc. I never wrap them up in paper. If I did, I would use acid-free paper that's available on eBay, and knife supply web sites. I also place a small bag of dessicant in each drawer, or display case, to absorb moisture. I am severely and acutely, and sometimes pleasently, medicated. I save all my dessicant packs from my pill bottles for my knives. You'd be surprised how they accumulate. Those are a MUST, in my opinion. But, Renaissance Wax is a REQUIREMENT! It's never failed me. I have many CV knives that look like they just came from the factory. And they've never had anything applied but Ren Wax.
LTA... UJ

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Permalink Reply by kage on December 30, 2009 at 22:15

When storing your knives,what kind of oils do you use?

An occasional light coating of EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil.) Back in the Navy, I used whatever was at hand (linseed oil, motor oil, grease, lard, WD40, etc...) when needed.

And do you wrap your knives in what kind of material?

No... I store them in one of my dresser drawers for daily use [ 1) socks, 2) underwear, 3) undershirt, 4 )folders, 5) fixed blades, 6) hankies/bandanas, 7) gloves/neoprene braces.]

Do you leave them in the boxes?

No... I will keep the boxes for a set period of time, until I'm sure the blade is going to work out. If it passes muster, then I toss the box. If it doesn't measure up to my current needs/expectations, then I will box them for giving or trades.

What kind of cleaners do you use?

Saliva, EVOO... and a little "elbow grease."

Is there things you do different on Carbon steel vs Stainless?

No, not really... My knives, for the most part, are meant to be used, and used hard. I do not give nor take any quarter with them.

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Permalink Reply by Garry T Moore on January 5, 2010 at 14:27

For stored knives I use simichrome polish followed by Renaissance Wax. These are then placed in knife socks which are impregnated with silicon.

For natural materials-bone, stag, ivory-I use mineral oil, a few drops, twice a year to prevent drying out. I won't use baby oil because of its additives. (I suppose the additives prevent the babies from rusting.)

For using knives, if excessively dirty, I just use soap and hot water followed by thorough drying, followed by a touch of light oil.

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Permalink Reply by Tim Noble on January 8, 2010 at 12:49

I use Metal Glow polish. It works particularly good on Carbon steel. I've tried all kinds of oils but I've found that very good quality olive oil works as well as any expensive oils. I just coat when completely clean with a very thin coat. I keep the knives carefully packed in boxes although my five favourites I keep in a drawer for easy access. I occassionally use very fine steel wool to clean steel.