How Should I Store and Treat My Knife: Avoid These 7 Mistakes

Whether you are new to knife collecting  or an experienced aficionado, the way you store your collectible knives is vital to their longevity and condition. Unlike everyday carry knives or kitchen knives, both of which are regularly used, collectible knives typically spend extended periods of time in storage or on display. It may seem like your knives are safe in their display cases or storage boxes simply because they aren’t being handled. However, there are several common storage mistakes that can lead to corrosion, scratching, and other forms of damage. 

Not Controlling Humidity 

There is a common misconception that stainless steel blades are immune to rust. In reality, all knife blades, even those with “anti-rust” coatings, will start to rust when the iron in the blade reacts with moisture and oxygen in the air. Carbon steel knives are particularly prone to corrosion because carbon is highly reactive.

While it is possible to remove rust from a knife, rust will eat away at the blade. It’s better to prevent rusting than try to fix it after the fact.

Most knife collectors know that knives must be completely clean and dry before going into storage to prevent rusting. However, controlling humidity is equally crucial, especially in high-humidity environments like Florida, Mississippi, or even Alaska (which can be surprisingly humid in the summer).

Solutions for Controlling Humidity:

• Room dehumidifiers: These are the most effective solution, but they must run continuously to keep the environment dry.
• Desiccants: These absorb moisture in the air to reduce humidity. There are many options, but silica gel packs are the most common choice. You can put a few in the bottom of your knife case.
• Volatile Corrosion Inhibitors (VCI): Unlike desiccants, VCIs don’t reduce humidity but emit chemicals that inhibit corrosion. They are more effective because their vapor penetrates all the small crevices of your knife, offering superior protection.

Storing in Sheaths

Collectible knives should never be stored in their sheaths for long periods of time. Leather sheaths are particularly bad for knives because they absorb moisture from the air and then transfer that moisture to the blade. Acids and chemicals from the leather tanning process can also transfer to the knife and cause oxidation.

Synthetic sheaths also aren’t ideal for storing knives long-term. They aren’t breathable, so they can trap moisture and eventually corrode the blade.

Using Foam Padding 

Foam knife cases are very popular for displaying knives because the foam protects against accidental scratches and dings. Many beginner collectors use foam Nalpak inserts for .50 ammo cans as a cheap knife storage solution for this reason

However, while it may seem like a good idea for knife storage, foam can damage knife blades. The main issue is that foam can trap moisture from the air. The last thing you want in a closed knife case is trapped moisture as it will lead to corrosion.

Many types of foam padding, such as that found in cheap knife boxes, will eventually break down and stick to the knife. Chemicals leaching from the foam could also damage the metal over time. High-quality storage solutions, like storage boxes, avoid foam padding for this reason.

Wrapping Knives in Newspaper

Because of the moisture issues associated with foam padding, some collectors instead wrap their knives in newspaper to protect against scratches. Unfortunately, this too can lead to damage because the newspaper can contain acids that leach onto the blade.

A better solution is to use acid-free paper, such as that found in craft stores or used by scrapbookers. Wax paper is another option, though it can transfer wax to the knife during long-term storage, which will need to be cleaned off.

Closing Zippered Cases

Zippered cases are a good way to store multiple knives, especially when budget or space constraints prevent the use of custom display cases. 

However, the key to storing collectible knife types long-term in zippered cases is to leave them partially unzipped. You’ll need them to be at least ½ to 1 inch open so air can get out. Otherwise, moisture can build up in the case and cause corrosion.  Breathable case materials are also better than solid ones for this reason. 

Oiling Instead of Waxing

Knife enthusiasts know they should oil blades to protect against corrosion. Wooden handles also can benefit from oiling because the oil prevents them from drying out and becoming brittle. 

While oiling is certainly better than doing nothing at all, serious collectors wax their knives instead. Compared to oil, wax is a much better moisture repellent. Wax also won’t leave a residue which can get into your display case lining and cause staining. 

When applying wax to knives, make sure to use a chamois or auto cloth. Avoid using fleece or cotton clothes as they have fibers that will stick to the wax and get left behind on your blade.

Removing Knives with Bare Hands

There is a good reason why high-end custom knives come with white gloves. Handling knives with bare hands leaves behind sodium chloride and other acidic residues that can lead to corrosion over time.

This isn’t an issue with knives that get regularly used and cleaned. However, when you put a custom knife back in storage after touching it with bare hands, the blade will eventually start to corrode in areas you touched with your fingers.

The solution is to always remove knives from storage while wearing gloves. Alternatively, you can pick your knives up with a microfiber cloth. When it is time to clean the gloves or cloth, you can wash them in the machine, but the Library of Congress recommends only using detergents that are free of dyes, fragrances, fabric softeners, and brighteners. 

Pocket Knife Storage

For optimal pocket knife storage, prioritize keeping your knives dry and easily accessible. Use organizers or cases with designated slots to prevent scratches and damage. Opt for breathable materials like nylon or soft fabric liners that allow air circulation, reducing moisture buildup. For long-term storage, consider adding silica gel packs to control humidity and prevent rust. If you’re frequently on the move, choose compact cases that offer both protection and portability. Regularly check your knives for any signs of corrosion or wear. For more detailed tips, you can watch the full video:

Video Credit: Zac In The Wild

Author: Sam Jacobs | Connect with me on LinkedIn

References:

How should I store and treat my knife Reddit

How does everyone store/care for their knives? : r/knifeclub