How can I prevent corrosion on knife?

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I have a Schrade Uncle Henry knife that I've had for over 30 years. I take it and buff all the brass, sharpen it up, oil it , put it in the holster and the next time I pull it out , it looks like this!
IMG_5480.JPG

The brass has gotten all green and gross. Every time I clean it , I also clean out the inside of the holster. It sits for long times between uses. It's more of a keepsake.
Any ideas?
Thanks Bob
 
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I have the same knife, but my brass only has minor corrosion. No green nasty stuff on mine.I have had mine for probably 20 or 25 years. I have lost count. My knife just lays in a drawer with a bunch of pencils, no case.
You can't stop corrosion. There used to be a brass polish called "Brasso". Is it still made??
I'd say once a year, just polish the brass.....................its normal maintenance.
Having said that, my knife has never been cleaned or polished. Maybe I will start to polish it.

Autosol is another polish that works really well.
 
Or clean and polish it up to your liking and then spray a few coats of clear coat laquer or seal it with wax.
 
The green bolsters, I would use Brasso (or whatever marching band uses these days). The whole thing ought to be kept slightly oily like a gun, which should help keep it shiny.

I think the + after Schrade means the blade is stainless. I have an older one than that and the blade turns black, but it will take an amazing edge.

The best thing for the brass on second thought, would be to use a "Blitz" rag, if they can still be found. Effective and not messy.
 
I've used Brasso before, I also put that thing on my big old bench mount buffer and I can make that brass shine like a mirror. I usually then apply a light coat of oil, but the green corrosion always comes back. I honestly think lack of handling and use contributes to the corrosion. I also have an old Buck knife that was my beater when I worked construction I was HARD on that knife and it still looks the same, and doesn't corrode. Hmmm go figure.
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Is it in a humid environment? My stuff in the basement used to get like that until I started running a dehumidifier. If I keep something like that in the garage it would probably end up like that.
Have you tried storing out of the holster?
 
It's not humid. I live in the Arizona desert. I do think I'm going to start storing it out of the holster though.
 
It's very simple Bob - all you have to do is move to a planet where there is no water and no air.

Knife should be fine.

Helpful, eh? ;)

All seriousness aside - my guess is that it had a clear coat on it and that coating has been polished off. Thus, the copper in the brass is continuously exposed to air and moisture (although not much where you live) - and that's what is doing it.
 
Hey Bob,
I agree with the others who point to your leather case. The leather should be your concern. After having recently owned a leather riding saddle, I learned that this material is very sensitive to moisture. Apparently, leather is extremely porous, containing thousands of microscopic holes. These holes, which are found on the surface of leather, absorb moisture, which is present, despite your relatively dry area. Leather is sort of a sponge.
 
I...put it in the holster and the next time I pull it out , it looks like this!

If the holster is suspected of causing the problem why not clean and oil the knife then put it in a self sealing bag or wrap in clingfilm.
This will eliminate any interaction between the leather and the metal and remove one potential cause.
 
Along with a plastic slip cover, if you could fit inside the case one of those little moisture-grabbing packets that come inside medication bottles.
 
peanut, and all. I've tried using the "quote" function on my t mobil phone but just cant seem to figure it out ? There is some truth to carrying an oversize knife in respect to personal safety. If you think about the natural reaction to raise your arms up and towards your face for protection.That actually puts a large blade in front of your own face ! Therefore, if you do ever intend to pack a large blade for protection, carry it in your hand some so you get use to it ! I've also cut off the stock finger "brass nuckle" style loops to help get the knife off my hand immediately if necessary. I've mainly carried this knife in remote Cougar country. But really have little concern of being attacked. -RT
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Would/could there be a correlation to the fact the two knives showing reaction are in like new sheaths? The Buck's sheath has been used so doesn't fit as tight and has lost some of the chemicals used to treat the leather?
Store the knife out of the sheath.
 
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