Question about leather sheath and storage

I

ike1518

Joined
Mar 6, 2007
Messages
21
I just received my Wetterlings Small Hunting Axe today (Thanks www.bensbackwoods.com) and it is a sweet piece of hardware! Here's my question: Is it OK to store the axe in its leather sheath for extended periods of time? I ask this because when it comes to firearms I've heard that one should not store a firearm for extended periods of time in a leather holster because the world starts revolving the other way or something else weird happens. Actually what I've heard is that the leather holds/absorbs moisture and when it is against the metal then rust will form.

Thanks - Peace,
Ike1518
 
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I found my answer at axspecialsts.com:

Besides reducing friction when chopping, oiling or waxing your axe protects it from rusting, especially when not in use. Make sure to wipe away all excess moisture after each use, and be sure to store your axe out of the sheath to prevent moisture being trapped inside from rusting the metal.

So, no, don't store an axe in a leather sheath for an extended period of time. ;)
 
Also, some tanning methods leave acidic traces in the leather which can corrode the steel even in a dry climate.


Ookami
 
The sheath holds moisture. Any knives or axes that I store in the sheath I oil heavily.

Regards

Robin
 
I use Balistol an my Axes and Hatches and leave a film on them to protect them...My sheaths I have for my stuff are all from Vegitable tanned leather and I store them inside the house so they are not exposed to as much climate change as they would be in the garage. Balistol is the best stuff...for my knives I use a tea seed camellia oil that is non toxic and you can eat becasue I do not like having knives I can't cook with!
 
Almost all of my axes have rust on them anyways, I just sharpen before use and go. Besides, my axes aren't put away wet or worth a fortune so a bit of surface color bothers me not one bit, if it ever happens.
 
I store my axes in the pantry with a nice coat of Mineral oil... It's dry and cool.
 
I wipe linseed oil on my heads. Once that dries, I leave them in their sheaths. I have never seen a spot of rust.
 
SkogKniv said:
I wipe linseed oil on my heads. Once that dries, I leave them in their sheaths. I have never seen a spot of rust.
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Pipeman said:
The sheath holds moisture. Any knives or axes that I store in the sheath I oil heavily.

Regards

Robin
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Either one of these. For the ones I have with a sheath, I hit them with WD40 once a month. Seems to do ok, I have not seen any rust. Linseed is also a good choice, it will give a nice thin coating on the axe for protection. If you are going to store for a long time, and wont be checking on it, then I would not store it in the sheath, but thats just me.
 
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