I used to have an Opinel but gave it away about 10 years ago. I was looking at some of the forced patinas recently and picked up an Opinel #8 yesterday to try it out. After successive mustard applications I am very happy with the results... unfortunately, I washed the blade under the tap twice and within a short period it was almost impossible to open!
I put it in a vacuum desiccator for half the day and that seemed to get rid of most of the water. I just put the knife (minus locking ring) back in the vacuum desiccator but this time immersed in mineral oil. It's bubbling away and filling with oil, with my goal being to impregnate the handle and problem area with mineral oil.
It's too late, but I am getting cold feet now - can this cause the handle to swell and will the knife forever be exuding oil and leaving the hand greasy? I usually just rub my other knives with oil, never submerge them.
Thanks
I put it in a vacuum desiccator for half the day and that seemed to get rid of most of the water. I just put the knife (minus locking ring) back in the vacuum desiccator but this time immersed in mineral oil. It's bubbling away and filling with oil, with my goal being to impregnate the handle and problem area with mineral oil.
It's too late, but I am getting cold feet now - can this cause the handle to swell and will the knife forever be exuding oil and leaving the hand greasy? I usually just rub my other knives with oil, never submerge them.
Thanks
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