O-1 Steel and Leather Sheath

[TheCivilman]

We all know O-1 steel corrodes, right? I am wondering if it is possible, if anybody else has tried, or if it would help to reduce the chances of corrosion to an O-1 blade if one were to soak or at least coat the inside of the sheath in some type of vegetable oil or peanut oil or something of the sort.
Will it harm the sheath? Will it do any good at all?
Does anyone have any suggestions for preventing O-1 or carbon steel blades from corrosion? What is the norm? Thanks folks.

[Iron Hoarder]

An organic based oil might not be the best idea. It could spoil and any oil applied to leather will soak into it and probably come through to the outside.

[Draven]

I've often thought of this as well, but as said, most oils that don't dry would spoil. After deciding against that, I thought of grease instead . . . which could be pretty unpleasant.

The best solution (IMO) I've heard of is wool, though the intention was for swords, as it was done in the Viking age. Wool is naturally coated in Lanolin, which is often used to prevent rust, and is non-toxic, too. If you were to buy a relatively unprocessed fleece, you could cut the wool short and make a sleeve for the knife before covering in a thicker, more protective leather. If you leave the wool longer towards the neck of the sheath and have it poke out a bit, it should help to keep water out, as well as oil the blade "automatically" If you couldn't get wool oily enough, you could even buy some lanolin and put it on yourself - I've heard of people doing that with felt for sword sheaths. The fleece itself can be had for about £20 (for a 'pet rug' - namely, one with a blemish or the like that makes it unsuitable for an expensive rug) if you shop around...

Atb!
Pete

[helmar4578]

Any high carbon steel should only be sheathed in a DRY sheath if possible. It would help to wipe an oily rag on the blade prior to sheathing for the time you are using the knife. Renwax also would help---notice the word help---not a cure. ---Sandy---

[TheCivilman]

Thx guys. I was hoping somebody had a miraculous solution but I guess not...

[GHEzell]

Thx guys. I was hoping somebody had a miraculous solution but I guess not...

A wooden or plastic liner?