Knife Maintenance Stropping and rust prevention 

I don't care what anyone says, there is nothing strange about a bloke going alone into the woods with a jar of Vaseline! :-)

I was a shoe maker years ago and learnt very early how to sharpen knives, we used a wooden strop with fine emery on one side and a piece of leather on the other, flesh side out for taking off the burrs. These days for my bushcraft knife I have a piece of shoulder leather, I use the skin side to hone and then I flip it over to buff up the burrs on the flesh side. This piece of leather is getting quite old and is impregnated with the grit, oil and water mixture from my stone, so it works very well and isn't aggressive. I also use the skin side against the flat of the blade and the back to remove any corrosion. The draw back is that the leather used this way can't be glued to a firm surface. Ace video and thank you for recommending Vaseline, I would never have thought. I'll add some to my kit.

Sound advice. I have spent a lot of time with the Gurkhas both in the UK and Nepal. Cracking bunch of guys all very polite with a fantastic sense of humour and fearless soldiers. 🇬🇧👍🇬🇧❤️

The best thing that's come out of Covid19 is more Wiltshire man videos 😊

I commonly carry a small carbon steel fixed bade on me everyday. I have found that Chap Stick (Original) Skin Protectant works very well as a coating for my knife blade and wooden handle. Just coat the blade on each side with a small amount of the Chap Stick. Then I apply a small amount of the Chap Stick protectant to the wood handle of the knife. I rub the protectant into the wood scales. Gives a nice dark color to the wood and protects from moisture. Thanks for your videos. - Tennessee Smoky

Wow. I have been vindicated. In the military, our weapons were preserved in Cosmoline. It was a nasty grease-like substance that had to be removed with mineral spirits. Nobody liked it much, but the guns didn’t rust either. When started collecting knives and axes, I tried several oils that I didn’t like very much. Not having Cosmoline, I decided to use Vasoline because I had it in the medicine cabinet. Now, you have convinced me that I made a good choice. Who would argue with the Gurkhas? Thanks a million for your good advice.

As always. Top advice. Thank you Sandy.

Thanks again for sharing these tips. All the best from the Highlands

Thanks Sandy. Nice timing and a good prompt for me to takes better care of my knifes. Cheers

Excellent video Sandy, thanks for taking the time to film and share. Hoping to get a wasp or hornet from you. I'm glued to your website every Friday for weeks. All the Best, Mack, Huddersfield

Wow petroleum jelly.... I never new. Good advice Sandy. Thank you.

Great craftsmanship on knife and keep up the vids. 👌🏻👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

Thx Sandy always nice to know the makers recommendations :-)

Perfect timing. I was just trying to sort out what I should use. I will give this a go.

Brasso or Silvo polishing wadding for fire lighting, I get through a fair bit with my old classic motorcycles, I keep all the old bits after they have turned black from polishing for tinder, it takes a spark really easily, another cracking video, there's always something to learn with Sandy's vids, well done!

Awesome video and thanks for sharing your tips

I've just discovered your videos and knives. Wonderful knives ,I'll have to wait till the wife's not looking before I order one tho' ! Your sharpening and honing tips have gratefully been taken on board . Where on earth we'd all be without people like you with your skills and knowledge I really dont know.

Mike from Bark River Knives suggests their black compound followed by green for stropping and edge maintainence on their A2 and even CPM3V convex blades. Very very informed, simple and well made video mate!

Very useful video Sandy. Cheers

Good video, as I think many simply default to lubricating their blades as they do other tools, not realizing that safety is important in knife maintenance due to the fact that it is not simply a tool, but also an eating utensil. Vaseline is good to have along for trips in the field, anyway, as it has first aid and fire procurement values as well. At home, I typically use a food safe mineral oil because I have it handy for my cutting boards. Thanks for posting, Sandy! Best wishes to you and yours!

Sandy this is the first time at least for me any way that some one has mentioned this .the family since my grand father has always used Vaseline on all out door cutting edges axes to knives . I reconditioned my grand dads sheaths about 4 years ago I have no idea how old. I do have pictures of him in 1923 with the knife on his hip .Any way the leather was in good shape he and I always take good care of our leather ,but it needed restitching I opened the sheath and to my surprise the leather inside was like glass so slick and shinny it was hard to believe I am only guessing it is the Vaseline that gives that shin . Just thought you might like to know to me it's very interesting . Happy Trails say hi to the wife we do think about her .

Another great video, thanks for sharing.

Love that 3mm blade 😎 I use that stropping compound too on the rough surface of the leather and use the smooth side for a few final pass. I apply a small amount of camellia oil - that works great too as you had recommended!! Great tips Sandy, cheers bud ☕️

I have never thought about using Vaseline before, I live in the tropics and have had issues with oil so this may be better. Thanks for the tip. One day I will be lucky enough to own one of your knives.

Great vid on a much neglected practice! Best... Cam

Hello Sandy, thank you for the useful tip, my Jacklore knives are very important to me. All the Best.

Cheers sandy. Great info. Will be buying a small travel size for the kit.

That is an awesome tip, will be doing that to some knives i have in long term storage.

Great video, d .chubb.thanks

Yes very helpful indeed Sandy thanks. I asked the question to Mark Bailey what is the best thing other than a rubbing compound (I don’t have any) he said like you Auto Sol. Although still learning to sharpen I’m getting there watching videos like these do help loads. Cheers pal, Ant 👍

I agree have used it for many years especially on knives I have in longer term storage.

You are a legend mate.

Looks good, thanks and take care.

Thank you very much for the video and great idea cheers

Nicely said!!!

Good tip Sandy. Years ago, 53 maybe? My father gave me a lovely antler handled bowie/hunting knife and leather sheath for my 7th birthday. I soon discovered it didn't like our British damp climate and was told by a fellow fisherman I bumped into back then that WD40 sprayed into the inside of the leather sheath would protect the blade. and I have to say it did! So well that I haven't had to use any WD40 now for about 10 or 15 years. I have to say, I don't do that with all my cutting tools as I have used the vaseline tip just like you on any cutting tool after that knife.

Cheers brother thank u for sharing ur knowledge

Vasaline works. Great for a fire starter, I rub a little on cotton balls which store away on old film canisters or small plastic bag I store in the flint and steelier starting kit.

Great tips

Thanks for this video mate, I have been using WD but will now get some Vaseline.

Great tip mate. We’ve used a 50 50 mix of vaseline and gun oil in the gun trade forever. We even tested it against 3 modern potions I shan’t name and the metal under the vas oil mix did not rust but the modern grease allowed rust in. Vaseline is good stuff.

Good bit of info bro. Cheers

I know I’m late to the scene, but I appreciate the video regardless. I actually use Vaseline on my old steel zippos. It works wonders even years down the road.

thank you , you are awesome

I really miss my knife. I had to sell it. I do still have a small one and use it a lot. But the size of the classic can not be beat. Hope you and yours are getting back to normal and please take care. ATB Louise

"It's got a lot of other uses too" I like where this is going "It's a good fire lighter" *liking where this is going intensifies*

Hi. I like your videos been watching. Caught me by surprise about the “fire lighter.” Would be fun for you to demonstrate.

I have always used Vaseline, does a good job. Fluff out of your tumble drier filter takes a spark well. you can mix a bit of Vaseline with it as well.

Very helpful Thanks

great tip, i have been using gun oil on a rag and wiping my knife before putting away but it feels to 'thin' and although its worked vaseline is probably better long term as it stays in place, thanks!

ACF-50 as used in the aircraft industry to prevent corrosion and used by motorbikers to avoid salt corrosion when they ride in the winter.

Thanks much appreciated

good advice Sandy atb scott

Great idea I usually use evoo

Vaseline.... Not only that, put it on cotton wool to make firestarters. 😁

Vaseline and Germoline are fantastic products that formed my mums first aid response for her kids for years!

Hi Sandy, great video as usual. I don’t pretend to be any kind of steel expert but have you tried Ballistol oil? I use it on all my knives and bushcraft tools. As far as I know it was invented by the Germans in the First World War to oil their guns and I am told it’s food safe . I also read somewhere that it can even be used to clean wounds. It also has a pleasant smell. I have used it for years, I have a decent collection of carbon steel knives and have never had rust. The only drawback is if you want a patina on your knives it seems to stop that, all my knives look shiny and new. I have added a patina on a couple of budget Ontario Old Hickory 1095 carbon steel knives with lemon juice as an experiment but finished them with Ballistol. I must admit I didn’t like the old look so didn’t do it on my good knives. I also tried olive oil as a finish which seems popular with some RU-vidrs but that seems not to stick to the steel breaking down and would appear as little blobs on the Scandi edge so not offering any protection. As I always say we live and learn, and the best way is to experiment.

Thank you sir

Good tip sandy it makes sense atvb Jimmy 😎😎

BEL VIDEO,COMPLIMENTI👍

I’ve heard of this before. I’m sure someone said it was good to stop squeaky door hinges if you didn’t have WD40 . Thanks Sandy. When this madness ends we’re have to get out soon.

great info

Hi sandy, bought myself some camellia oil for my new JACKLORE didn’t realise but it’s the actual tea plant 🌱 🤫 learn something new everyday.... hope family yourself and Jess are well . . 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

The reason Vaseline works well for the corrosion protection of steel blades is because it's a heavy hydrocarbon. It can adhere to the steel without running or dripping, and without evaporating and drying off. It's ideal for knives. Vaseline provides steel blades a long lasting and mechanically stable barrier from air and water. The fact that it's messy is partly why it's so effective at preventing rust.

Thanks I will need to make sure I keep my Hornet perfect 👍

Regarding kitchen knives. What wood would you recommend? Do you stabilize it? What do you finish it with? What wood found you have on the knife in this video? How do you maintain the wood?

Petroleum jelly would work fine, but a little messy. I used Frog Lube before, but it’s messy, too. Thought about mineral oil, which is good as well but finally through lots and lots of research, found Tsubaki oil (camellia). It is what the Japanese use. It is food safe and can be used on knives, sheaths, etc. I recommend it to everyone.

Could hemp oil be used for blade maintenance as an alternative?

Out in the bush I use lip balm on my knife . I already got it in my med kit . It is vasoline bace .

I carry a 5 ml bottle of Mineral Oil. Good for the blades & food safe, works as a fire 🔥 lighter & good for any little rub or rash from hiking 👍 also to protect the Ferro Rod.

Best oil? Nose grease, (free and usually available), as pipe smokers use to feed their rosewood bowls. Also, for a strop, vegans can use denim.

Coconut oil has worked well for me

It stops or slows bleeding

After coating with Vaseline, the next time you use your knife, are you removing all the Vaseline or just using it with it coated? Is it slippery at all, since it was applied on all exposed metal? Thanks!

Hi Sandy any tips for sharpening/honing my Karambit. Particularly interested in what shape to make a leather strop for this curved blade. It has been used for removing reel seats on fishing rods I re build and cutting carton/corrugated cardboard. Any tips will be greatly received. Take care best wishes to family. Regards Tony

Great video thanks. May i ask, can it be used on the wooden handle and the leather sheath?

I wonder if coconut butter would work for this?

Hi Sandy. Great video as always mate. Quick question. You said to strop by pulling the blade against the leather. Would you do the same on a stone when sharpening? I feel better when using a stone by pulling the blade back across the stone as apposed to pushing the blade across it, if that makes sense? (it did in my head haha). is there a right and wrong way or is it down to preference? P.S. love to Mandy and hope she on the mend and feeling a bit better.

Another good vid sandy.This is the first time ive ever disaagreed with you. Vaselene is not great for a few reasons, it rots rubber, it rots leather and can build up in your sheath over time and most importantly everything sticks to it. I think th gurkas use it because its readily available and it probably lasts longer for them in that enviroment with both heat and moisture. I prefer to use mineral oil its a better choice this end of the world with our enviroment. Clean, food safe aswell, non sticky non staining and can be used on both blade and handle.

l tend to avoid people with pots of Vaseline on camping trips, just a personal preference

Another use for it is fire starting with a cotton ball.

Renaissance Wax

Would Valve Grinding Paste be Ok Sandy for Stropping or is it too Course?

Not often I get here first.

The tub of Vaseline in my swag is for my knife that I need to oil every night....

What did you use to rough the leather up with Sandy?

What are your thoughts on lightly coating the whole knife in mineral oil?

👍

Bought an out of date half litre tub from the chemist of non branded. Think I am sorted for life lol

Is it safe If your knife has a leather sheath? I've read that vaseline is horrible for leather and causes deterioration.

I bet lard or dubbin could work

Thanks... use vaseline on my diving knife...

Camelia oil

Nice Work. Hope all is well. Hopefully you can Join us! :o

very glad to have found you. can i ask, do you suffer from bells palsy? you have a shade of senna about you

Also good for your nipples to stop friction burn :)

Hi. I like your videos been watching. Caught me by surprise about the “fire lighter.” Would be fun for you to demonstrate.