Protecting Cruwear and other Non-Stainless Steels...

[Pcexbird]

Curious what others are using to pretect their Cruwear and other non-stainless knives from rust and oxidation in a humid environment.


What do you recommend for protecting these steels from rust and oxidation?

 

[000Robert]

There must be hundreds of threads like this... I use Break Free CLP, Go-Juice, and mineral oil.

 

[Lesknife]

First thing is to keep it clean and dry as possible with a film of oil on it. If you are cutting something that has salt or acidic properties I like to rinse with water, wipe dry and put some oil on. When storing your knife don’t put it in a leather sheath as the tanning acids can attack the metal. Also I use desiccant packs in my storage draws to absorb any moisture.

They can attain a patina over time but that isn’t harmful it just looks darker and dull. Some like patina some don’t. You can polish it back to shiny if you want. You mainly want to prevent rust and corrosion that will cause pitting and metal damage. Oil is your friend!

 

[Lesknife]

I forgot to say, just about any oil will prevent oxidation and rust.

But, many prefer to use a food safe mineral oil or similar. CLP or gun oil is good and I’ve used it for years to no harm. I usually wipe it down good if I’m going to do any food prep.

There’s tons of metal protection products and many are good but there’s some that has some chemicals that aren’t so good so look for the warning and use info on the labeling.

 

[Darkpast]

There must be hundreds of threads like this... I use Break Free CLP, Go-Juice, and mineral oil.

True dat

 

[Darkpast]

I use oily rag- PM2 CRUCARTA- with buncha different oils on it and wipe it off once in 3-5 days.

 

[Pcexbird]

Anyone have luck with those Tuff Cloths?

 

[jbmonkey]

Anyone have luck with those Tuff Cloths?

I've used them long ago. it's a silicone base I think. doesn't last too long. have to keep wiping. wax works okay and last a bit longer. I've used that too.....

 

[Pcexbird]

I forgot to say, just about any oil will prevent oxidation and rust.

But, many prefer to use a food safe mineral oil or similar. CLP or gun oil is good and I’ve used it for years to no harm. I usually wipe it down good if I’m going to do any food prep.

There’s tons of metal protection products and many are good but there’s some that has some chemicals that aren’t so good so look for the warning and use info on the labeling.

Does Breakfree damage G10 if a little gets on the handle while cleaning the blade? Do you let your CLP soak in or protect with a wax afterwards?

 

[Pcexbird]

I've used them long ago. it's a silicone base I think. doesn't last too long. have to keep wiping. wax works okay and last a bit longer. I've used that too.....

What do you use now? Is Ren wax best when applied alone or after a product like Breakfree is applied first?

 

[jbmonkey]

What do you use now? Is Ren wax best when applied alone or after a product like Breakfree is applied first?

never tried oil and then ren wax or any other wax. if your not gonna use for food prep I've used carnuba car wax and worked well enough. eventually wears off also form cutting tasks..... but in my experience has held up better than tuff cloth.

it's not the end all, but gives some protection for a while.

 

[Lesknife]

Does Breakfree damage G10 if a little gets on the handle while cleaning the blade? Do you let your CLP soak in or protect with a wax afterwards?

Sorry for the late reply, I’ve been recovering from a minor surgery. CLP shouldn’t affect g10 as it’s stabilized. Just wipe off the excess. Soaking really don’t help and the oil is fine enough to penetrate and a film is all that’s necessary. But it’s the use of cutting that will remove the oil or wax eventually. Just clean and reapply after use. Just keeping them clean and dry helps as much as oil or wax.

 

[Locutus D'Borg]

never tried oil and then ren wax or any other wax. if your not gonna use for food prep I've used carnuba car wax and worked well enough. eventually wears off also form cutting tasks..... but in my experience has held up better than tuff cloth.

it's not the end all, but gives some protection for a while.

What do you use now? Is Ren wax best when applied alone or after a product like Breakfree is applied first?

I clean the blade well to remove oils, etc. Dry well with a paper towel or something. Then apply a thin coat of Renn, it will dry quickly, and then polish with a soft cloth (I use a clean cotton tee shirt). THEN take photos. The difference on Damascus blades is noticeable; they become lustrous.