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Schmexy
93
Jun 10, 2017
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Sorry if this is kind of a noob question, but since this is a carbon steel knife that mean it rusts, right? So how would you keep it from rusting? I just sounds weird that you would have to oil or maintain a survival knife.
nfischer
63
Jun 10, 2017
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SchmexyIt could rust, yes. People commonly apply oil, wax, or force a patina to their knives to keep them rusting. I personally force a patina with mustard and vinegar and stab a tub of coconut oil before I store it. Haven't had any problems with rusting even on longer backpacking trips with no oil.
IAMBOB
20
Jun 10, 2017
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SchmexySpeaking as someone who would use Carbon Steel almost all of the time (I find stainless steel annoying to sharpen).
I use a blade almost exactly like this for everything from carving to liming small branches. As long as you keep your blade dry it wont rust, normally I just wipe it on my trousers or sleeve just before putting it away. It can stay in your room for pretty much as long as you want without rusting as long as it does not get wet. This may not be as true if you live in a high humidity area, I don't so im unsure on that point.
I always try and maintain an edge thats good enough to shave with or almost good enough to shave with. So after doing a lot of intense outdoor activity over a weekend or so I would take the knife to the block and bring up the edge again. Also I have gotten mine up to a mirror edge just to see if I could. As I used to do so much stuff outdoors maintaining a mirror edge was a little silly but it can be done and its not too hard.
I use a blade almost exactly like this for everything from carving to liming small branches. As long as you keep your blade dry it wont rust, normally I just wipe it on my trousers or sleeve just before putting it away. It can stay in your room for pretty much as long as you want without rusting as long as it does not get wet. This may not be as true if you live in a high humidity area, I don't so im unsure on that point.
I always try and maintain an edge thats good enough to shave with or almost good enough to shave with. So after doing a lot of intense outdoor activity over a weekend or so I would take the knife to the block and bring up the edge again. Also I have gotten mine up to a mirror edge just to see if I could. As I used to do so much stuff outdoors maintaining a mirror edge was a little silly but it can be done and its not too hard.
IAMBOB
20
Jun 10, 2017
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nfischeryeah I have had mine for a 1 week camp and it was used practially every day for prepaing firewood, carving, food prep, etc.. and I have never had mine rust. My friend put his away wet(where it stayed for a week unused) and I had to spend a good hour or so on it. But thats all
nfischer
63
Jun 10, 2017
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IAMBOBThat's a good point too Schmexy, even if it does rust, this blade is so thick you can just remove the surface rust and be good as new.
Cakirrama
272
Jun 11, 2017
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SchmexyI believe most people still opt for Carbon Steel in survival knife purchases, because of the metal properties...
anonomous
558
Sep 18, 2017
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SchmexyMineral oil is the number one used since its food safe. Mineral oil will have to be re applied but it's very inexpensive and available at the pharmacy or supermarket and comes in a big bottle. Only a thin layer is needed so the bottle even if reapplying after use will last a very long time.
Another option is "fluid film" which is also food safe but it's base oil is from sheep. Lanolin. Some people are allergic to this but it will last a long time in comparison to mineral oil.
Wax from a candle etc will last the longest. This is great for storage. It can be used too but because it's thicker isn't idea for everyday use. But it's a great and cheap option. It seals moisture out. Wax is food safe but the body cannot break down wax. So if you eat it, it stays waxy and not break down. But otherwise it's harmless.
Their are other options but stick to food safe options if possible and don't use anything that will go rancid. Olive oil will go rancid for example.
Another option is "fluid film" which is also food safe but it's base oil is from sheep. Lanolin. Some people are allergic to this but it will last a long time in comparison to mineral oil.
Wax from a candle etc will last the longest. This is great for storage. It can be used too but because it's thicker isn't idea for everyday use. But it's a great and cheap option. It seals moisture out. Wax is food safe but the body cannot break down wax. So if you eat it, it stays waxy and not break down. But otherwise it's harmless.
Their are other options but stick to food safe options if possible and don't use anything that will go rancid. Olive oil will go rancid for example.
TheElvenArcher
2
Dec 21, 2017
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Schmexyjust keep it dry and if it does rust a bit just use some steel wool to remove it. you can also patina the blade with a bit of vinegar.
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