[JShirley]

I have recently bought several inexpensive knives with high carbon steel. They will take a great edge, but rust very easily. They are destined for outdoor use, and I am NOT concerned with being able to cut/slice food with them. Any suggestions for inexpensive rust resistance? Would taping the edge and spray painting the remainder of the blade work?

TIA,

John

[brownie0486]

I cover all my blades with a light coat of oil, wiped down enough to leave a small film on them.

The edge gets a wet application and left thusly.

Oil used:

3 in 1
Olive oil [ extra virgin ]
motor oil
militec

doesn't really matter as long as the blade is covered with a light film of it.

Brownie

[JShirley]

Really? Interesting. Is your theory that the Militec-1 will help bond to the metal?

(After I got my P40 "upper" from Kel-tec years ago, I polished the feed ramp, degreased thoroughly, then coated the barrel and ramp with Militec and baked at low heat for an hour to bond to the metal.)

I don't mind PMCS, but this will be a working knife. Minimum of maintenance= good.

[Drjones]

Mr. Shirley:

Militec is NOT a rust-preventative at all, nor is it similar to a normal oil. It is purely a lubricant, no more. It is a pretty good lubricant, though.

Someone did a test of the protection offered by various compounds like militec, CLP, etc. by applying them to identical pieces of metal, then baking them in an oven at high temperatures and exposing them to high humidity. Eezox (www.eezox.com) was the clear winner, with good ol' CLP in second place. I've used Eezox and like it a lot. Best of all, since Eezox is a CLP, you can use it on your firearms too, and IMO, it does an excellent job of cleaning, lubing, and protecting.

I applied Eezox to an expensive sword I have (no, not japanese...don't worry!) and was positively amazed at how it brought out the sheen and beautiful natural finish of the blade and metal.

So, I recommend Eezox. You could also try simple carnauba wax or "renaissance wax" which was developed specifically for blades, I believe.

[JShirley]

Thanks.

Yeah, I've also heard that Militec didn't really help stop rust. I used it on my feed ramp to lessen the chance of a round hanging up.

[Al Thompson]

Paint. Flat black laquer works well.

[brownie0486]

As long as the militec is on the blade, air is not going to get to the edge and deteriorate the sharpeness while sitting in the pocket.

Clp is very good as stated. I've been using it on the guns for years as well.

Brownie

[JShirley]

CLP is by far the most used lube in the military. In all honesty, though, I am reluctant to use anything with a penetrating agent as a longer-term preventative.

[CWL]

Why not wax them?

[Penforhire]

I'm with Brownie on oiling. That's what most divers do with dive knives and I've NEVER had rust on steels that are otherwise prone to rusting.

[hso]

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=248801&highlight=briwaX

Briwax, bees wax and mineral spirits, White Lightning, Marine Tuf Coat, highly refined vegetable oil

[The Tengu]

CLP works well, but it attracts dust like a magnet. Which sucks because your knife is usually clipped in your pocket.

Try Birchwood-Casey Sheath.

It's about $4 a can at Wal-Mart in the gun aisle.