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View Full Version : I ruined it! Knife care reminder



Camp10
07-06-2010, 09:13 PM
To keep this from being a long story, I will get to the point first. A carbon steel knife should not be left in it's sheath for storage. When it is as humid as it is right now, it takes no time to be a problem.

I am making a fighter for a customer and I wrapped the blade in order to finish the handle without being worried about wrecking the blade. I do this all the time but in this kind of weather, I will unwrap it between steps and let the blade breath. I forgot to do that this time and it sat for just two days with the blade covered.

A treated blade might handle this but a wiped clean with alcohol blade has no chance!

http://i949.photobucket.com/albums/ad337/lewisknives/100_0106.jpg

http://i949.photobucket.com/albums/ad337/lewisknives/100_0102.jpg

http://i949.photobucket.com/albums/ad337/lewisknives/100_0105.jpg

This is a real shame because I cant sell it now and I have no use for a fighter. I cant fix the polished finish and a hand rubbed finish just wouldnt look right on this knife.

Okay, a sheath wasnt involved in this mess but I would like to show you the reason you should never store a carbon knife in it's sheath...

http://i949.photobucket.com/albums/ad337/lewisknives/000_0241.jpg

http://i949.photobucket.com/albums/ad337/lewisknives/000_0242.jpg

This knife is my Ebay pot of gold. It was made by Wayne Goddard back in the 80's and left in it's sheath for much of the 90's. I contacted Mr Goddard about it a few years back and he told me (and gave it to me in writing) that it was the only one he made of this sized wire....to bad the last guy left it in it's sheath, huh?

BTW, I paid $35 for it from someone who had no idea what they had and I wouldnt sell it for $1500 today.

crashdive123
07-06-2010, 09:36 PM
A good reminder, but I gotta say - still a darn fine looking knife. Put a nice patina on it and make it look like you meant to do it.

Rick
07-06-2010, 10:27 PM
I would second that. That's a handsome knife. Work up the blade and don't tell anyone. I sure won't.

Justin Case
07-06-2010, 10:54 PM
Thats a Beautiful knife, !! very Nice !!! I would still buy it ( if i had a job :blushing:)

panch0
07-08-2010, 12:20 AM
Alot of makers do etch a patina on the blades. Radio shack sell ferric chloride acid, it is called an etchant, or use a mustard patina. I think it will give it a great look so you can sell it to someone else and remake the knife for your customer if he wants a polished blade.

Camp10
07-08-2010, 05:49 AM
Alot of makers do etch a patina on the blades. Radio shack sell ferric chloride acid, it is called an etchant, or use a mustard patina. I think it will give it a great look so you can sell it to someone else and remake the knife for your customer if he wants a polished blade.

Yeah, I will try that. It just stinks when I thought I was ahead of my own time frame and I overlook something so simple. I've already sealed the handle with tung oil so I will have to take that off to expose the steel through the tang as well. I've got the new blade all cut out and I will be heat treating soon.

Thanks Frank.