The Importance of Knife Storage

There’s nothing worse than pulling out your favorite blade and seeing the dreaded orange tint of rust creeping across the steel. Whether you're a collector, an outdoorsman, or just someone who appreciates a good edge, proper storage is the difference between a knife that lasts a lifetime and one that doesn’t make it to next season. In our opinion, if you’re going to invest your hard-earned cash in 2025, you should also be willing to invest your time.

Keeping your blades clean, sharp, and rust-free may seem intimidating, but follow these simple steps to achieve a well-maintained blade.

1. Start With a Clean Knife

Before you even think about storage, your knife should be clean and dry. Now I’m not here to judge you on what you use your knife for, but dirt, blood, food, and moisture are rust’s best friends and your blade’s worst enemies. Cleaning your knife does not have to be this long, drawn out and complicated process. Let’s start with the basics. Without soaking, use warm, soapy water to clean the blade appropriately. Dry the knife completely with a soft, knife-friendly cloth, paying attention to the pivot and locking mechanism on folding knives. If your knife’s seen heavy use, consider applying a gentle degreaser or rubbing alcohol to remove any buildup.

2. Oil Is Your Best Friend

Now that your knife is clean, let’s talk about protection. A light coat of oil creates a protective barrier between your steel and the air. This step is crucial for high-carbon blades, so knowing your knife’s composition is also pertinent. Different steels react to moisture and air in different ways. High-carbon blades like 1095 or tool steels like D2 require more attention than stainless options like S35VN or VG-10. It would also be important to consider the knife’s use. For example,  if you’re working with a kitchen knife or hunting knife, you’ll want to be sure to use a non-toxic, food-safe oil. Just like with cleaning your knife, you'll want to remember the pivot on your folders since lubrication will keep things moving smoothly and prevent moisture from building up in such tight spaces.

3. Choose the Right Storage Location

It’s important to note that proper storage plays a role in keeping your knife top-notch, and unfortunately, not all storage spots are created equal. That drawer in your garage or the sheath in your truck might be convenient, but they’re not always safe for long-term storage. We would suggest avoiding any damp areas to store your blades, such as damp basements, humid bathrooms, or unheated garages and attics. Instead, opt for storing your knives in a dry, climate-controlled room inside a protective knife roll or case. Wall-mounted magnetic strips are also a great option if you rotate your carry.

4. Temporarily Ditch the Leather Sheath 

This one may seem controversial, but trust us on this one. Leather looks great and smells even better, but it can trap moisture, especially if you’ve been out in the rain or snow. Storing your knife long-term in its leather sheath is a fast track to rust. Before re-sheathing, store your knife outside the sheath and be sure to apply oil before your next use. 

5. Rotate, Inspect, Repeat

Even if you’re not using them daily, give your knives a regular once-over. Open and close folders, check for blade play, inspect for signs of rust, and reapply oil as needed. Whether you’ve got yourself a “safe-queen” or a daily user, all knives need proper treatment to keep them in their best condition.

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Knives are built to be used, but also built to last. With the right storage habits, you’ll keep your blades in top shape for years to come.

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