Bushcraft is one of the best semi-survivalist specialties that need a rugged and durable knife. It’s a knife that would stand up to any demanding cutting task. Bushcraft knives are expensive, so it would help if you learned how to care for and store them properly.
One of the problems plaguing many bushcraft knife owners is the proper storage of their aesthetic blades. Don’t ruin your excellent, high-end blades with poor storage. So what are the best way to keep bushcraft knives clean, sharp, and attractive?
Myths about knife storaging
- Sheaths are a means of carrying the knife around safely, not protecting your knife when not in use. Yes, the sheath aids in carting the blade around safely but fails at proect9g and storing the knife.
- Stainless steel knives tend to rust if not taken care of. Yes, stainless steel is impressive for bushcraft knives, but it’s never 100% anti-corrosive.
- Kydex sheaths aren’t okay for long-term storage. Kydex sheaths are the best for bushcraft knives, but, as stated above, sheaths perform poorly at long-term storage.
- Even if the sheath is open-ended with a “drainage hole,” it doesn’t create enough air movement to stop corrosion of your blades. Yes, open-ended knife sheaths are considered the best storage, promoting corrosion.
Proper bushcraft knife storage practices
Remember, you must practice proper bushcraft knife maintenance and storage to keep the blade in good condition and ready for use.
Proper bushcraft knife storage care
- Keep the knife sharp for storage. A sharp knife is safer than a dull one. A dull knife isn’t good for anything and causes damage to the blade overtime. Store your knife sharp all the time.
- Keep the knife dry for storage. That’s the entire knife, not just the blade. Clean and dry the blade and handle before putting it away for storage to avoid corrosion. Make sure also to clean the moving part and the locking device.
- For high carbonated steel, oiling is essential. Oil the knife, especially the pivot points and the blade. The practice is necessary for bushcraft knife blade longevity and to prevent rusting.
- Do not dig your knife into the soil, sand or earth. You will end up damaging the blade.
- Do not attempt to repair a bushcraft knife by yourself. Make use of the warranty to prevent creating unsafe conditions.
Wipe the blade down. Clean the blade with a silicon-impregnated cloth. The chemical is nontoxic, meaning you can use the knife to cut food after coating it with silicon safely. Silicon is used with kitchenware to prevent corrosion.
How to store your bushcraft knife?
Most people know better than using a leather sheath for long-term storage. Even if the sheath is vegetable-tanned with no corrosive chemicals, they tend to absorb moisture and trap the blade. It leads to rusting, which ruins the blade and the knife in general.
While you may avoid leather-based sheath, don’t even think of a Kydex sheath too. Kydex sheaths are more breathable than leather sheaths. While they don’t precisely trap moisture, Kydex blocks moisture from escaping. It forms condensation on the inside resulting in rust.
Even if the sheath has an open end to drain the moisture, the drainage hole doesn’t create enough breathability to stop the blade corrosion. You’ll want to do this straightforward thing to store your bushcraft knives. Make a DIY cardboard sheath.
Make a DIY sheath
You can make an improvised sheath for the knife. All you need is cardboard and tape. Most custom knives ship inside pre-made commercial cardboard covers. The cardboard sheath is sturdy, safe, and does not trap moisture near the blade.
Wipe the knife up and place it in a cardboard sheath before stashing it in any prep kit. The cardboard sheath is very porous. As a result, it helps regulate the moisture accumulating around your steel.
You took the time to learn some of the best storage care for your bushcraft knife. Your bushcraft knife is ready for storage till subsequent outdoor usage.
Martin Smith is not just your average outdoorsman; he is a dedicated explorer with a deep passion for survival and bushcraft. The natural world has always been his favorite playground, which led him to develop a profound understanding and love for bushcraft skills. His curiosity is insatiable, constantly driving him to uncover the secrets of the great outdoors and unravel the mystery behind survival in nature.
Martin is the creator and host of the popular YouTube channel, 'Bushcraft Explorer,' where he shares his experiences and teaches essential survival techniques. But he isn't just a content creator; Martin is a survival expert who has spent countless hours under the open sky, perfecting his bushcraft skills.
From constructing shelters and crafting tools to identifying edible plants and purifying water, Martin has honed his survival skills in the most challenging environments. His dedication to mastering bushcraft has shaped him into an authority in this field, making him more than qualified to share his knowledge with others.
But Martin doesn't just talk the talk; he walks the walk. He spends a considerable portion of his life outdoors, continuously expanding his knowledge base and skill set, all to feed his love for the wild and provide his followers with up-to-date, reliable, and practical survival tips. He is also an avid hiker and explorer, often traveling to remote locations to test his skills against nature’s challenges.
Martin's writing, much like his videos, is brimming with practical advice and insightful tips. Through 'Bushcraft Explorer,' he not only shares his profound expertise but also inspires his readers and viewers to embrace the beauty of the outdoors and the thrill of survival. His commitment to making bushcraft accessible to all is evident in his easily digestible content, making his work valuable for both beginners and experienced outdoorspeople alike.
