How to keep cro van 1095 steel rust free

S

SargentBlade

Joined
Feb 11, 2017
Messages
5
Hello, I recently bought a knife which uses cro van 1095 steel. I am aware that this steel can rust, however, I will only use this knife once in a blue moon.
So my question is how to do prevent it from rusting?
P.S. Does keeping it inside a polyester sheath and not using it prevent it from rusting?
 
Store it out of it's sheath and coat it with oil for best results. Oiling before putting it in the sheath doesn't always work, especially if you sheath has any metal rivets that contact the blade.
 
SargentBlade said:
Hello, I recently bought a knife which uses cro van 1095 steel. I am aware that this steel can rust, however, I will only use this knife once in a blue moon.
So my question is how to do prevent it from rusting?
P.S. Does keeping it inside a polyester sheath and not using it prevent it from rusting?
Click to expand...

If you're only going to use it periodically, I'd NOT store it in it's sheath. Long-term storage in a sheath is actually a bigger risk for rusting, because any moisture that may get trapped with it will be in contact for a long time, and likely won't be noticed until damage is done. I'd also not sheath the knife until it's clean, else anything messy (wet, acidic, salty) on the blade may end up inside the sheath as well, and will be very hard to get rid of. If you DO store it in the sheath, make sure both the sheath and the blade are completely clean and dry beforehand, and inspect it occasionally if you can (every couple of weeks or so). If you live in a fairly humid climate, it may also be a good idea to oil the blade before storing it.

The easiest way to protect the knife is to use it. When you're using it, or at least handling it regularly, you're more likely to notice if/when it's dirty or wet, and take steps to clean it up as needed. Rust never really gets much of a chance to take hold that way.


David
 
If possible swap out the polyester sheath for a hot wax treated/wax dipped leather sheath. In my experience this prevent rusting virtually 100% even if worn on the body in high heat/humidity, even if worn IWB.

Otherwise the above advice is great. Wipe it dry when using, store it separate from the sheath when not.
 
Yes, what everyone said. I have a few cro-van blades and storage in sheaths can trap moisture and help rust development. Wipe down after use then use canola oil as a moisture barrier (if used on food) or any rust inhibitor used for guns. Your knife should be fine even in humid environments.

I find neglect is the biggest cause of rust. When a knife has lost that new knife feel and gets relegated to B.O.B. status, it just sits in there waiting for a day that still has not come. (Thank God).
 
I prefer wax, like renwax rather than oil, since oil will migrate away, or evaporate, and food oils will go rancid over time.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top