Leather scabbard/sheath question

B

BeastMode24

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Jul 26, 2015
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I have some butterfly swords that are made of 1060 carbon steel (manufacturers website info) and come with a leather sheath/scabbard from the manufacturer. I have had issues with the blades rusting despite diligent cleaning and oiling using a "high carbon steel" specific sword oil. None of my other swords that have a wood scabbard/saya have issue with rust using the same techniques for cleaning and storage. I was able to remove the rust but was wondering if there was a better way to clean and store them or is it just going to be an on going battle?

Thanks!

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It may be that the chromium agents that they used in the tanning are creating your problem. Have you tried not storing them in the sheaths? Or it could be the blade steel itself. I have had some customers pieces which were a devil to maintain. I was happy to get them back out the door.
 
Haven't tried no sheath yet, thought about that after I cleaned them yesterday. Seems like it would be counter productive to keep them "exposed" but idk its all a mystery to me at this point. Thanks for the input.

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The acids in leather sheaths will cause steel to rust.

I prefer not to store mine in the sheaths. A light coating of mineral oil will retard blade rusting in or out of the sheaths, but out the sheaths is better. I keep them in separate plastic lidded tubs with dessicant bags.
 
Good to know, thank you everyone! I will have to figure out a different option for storing them. Might have to build a display stand or something creative.

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BeastMode24 said:
Haven't tried no sheath yet, thought about that after I cleaned them yesterday. Seems like it would be counter productive to keep them "exposed" but idk its all a mystery to me at this point. Thanks for the input.

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I would try it just to eliminate that possibility if nothing else. Keeping them out will not harm them if they are oiled fairly regularly. This is why only veg tanned leather should be used.
 
Two years later. Had the same problem. You don't store a sword in leather. I have not been able to find any one in Los Angeles to build wood sheaths. I am only capable of building leather sheaths. So, I get a cheap (meaning phony) Red Chinese made "silk" cloth covering and store them in such. If you are going to carry them somewhere, you get a cordura case. And yes, I know that one size does not fit all and katana cordura bags/sheaths are inappropriate for Wakazashi blades because of size. I don't walk around with a sword dangling from the waist. I end up having to use imagination to create over the shoulder and across the outside of a backpack carry systems. PITA, but functional and would not win any beautiful design contests.
 
you can apply a light layer of wax there are a bunch to choose from including ren wax carnauba wax ect... i use the lee valley tool wax. Its a little more protective than oils i find, but its expensive.
 
I have swords that have been in their leather scabbards for more than 200 years. It depends on several factors but the leather tanning process and humidity are the two biggest worries.

Cheers

GC
 
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