Knife collection is a leisurely pursuit of many enthusiasts and has been gaining popularity in recent times.
Knife connoisseurs acquire, organize, catalog and preserve their collections for exhibitions for other like-minded fanatics. Individuals have been collecting knives since the 19th century, while elaborate collecting consortiums began during the 1940s.
Beginning a knife collection is a slow process, where any tenderfoot would start off by purchasing knives that intrigue him and then gradually move towards gathering wisdom apropos to assembling an amassment of his own.
Knives that possess the quality of being worthy of substance, aesthetic beauty or distinctive attributes of value are contemplated to be collectibles as this is most important ever to a number of people who are well known.
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Collectors follow magazines which exclusively foster their interests of blades and knives to learn more about this occupation of relaxation, and attend military exhibitions and knife shows, to have further acquaintance with their pursuit.
Knifemaking, history of knife manufacturers, ensuring and maintenance of collections is talked about in such shows. A large number of books have also been written dedicated to this hobby.
Knife discussion forums on the internet and channels on YouTube that make content exclusively concerning knives have been able to bring get the knife collector community closer.
Individuals with a newfound interest towards knives find it hard to gather enough schooling about knife cleaning and maintenance, and importantly, keeping the blade from corrosion on account of the fact that a clean blade is highly unlikely to corrode, and will naturally endure for a longer time.
Knife care requires attention, especially steel knives. Cleaning a knife can be a difficult and hazardous task, where you are in all likelihood exposed to wounds and cuts.
As much as we all love having our own assortment of knives, taking appropriate care of knives is what we will learn here. This article talks about how to clean steel blades and how hobbyists can secure their steel blades from corrosion.
Step 1
The first and foremost thing with maintaining your steel blades is keeping them sharp, clean, dry, tightened and oiled. Cleaning is the focus here.
Cleaning a steel blade is very much the same as cleaning any other article made of steel, though steel is a broad-ranging term. The first effective method to clean your steel blades is washing them off thoroughly with just water.
The most cause that makes your blades look unclean is the usual dust and dirt. To deal with this, simply soak your blade in hot water, and using a rag, wipe them down. Use a toothbrush to reach any crevices.
Step 2
If your blade is grimy, or dirt is ingrained within its surface, try using a bit of detergent with water. This works like a wonder for cleaning steel items.
In case the accumulation of grease/dirt is extremely adverse, add a few tablespoons of ammonia to the detergent water. If the issue is even more severe, prepare a paste of baking soda and water, and apply it on the difficult patches.
The abrasive character of baking soda should effortlessly be able to take off the dirt.
Step 3
Clearing rust from steel surface can be done by a number of powerful natural means. Rust shall be completely removed from the surface in order to ensure that it doesn’t persist in the process of decaying your blade.
For thin layers of rust, applying baking soda to your blade, or soaking your blade in straight white vinegar can be a plausible solution. If further treatment is required, citric acid can prove to be fruitful in saving your blade from corrosion.
Simply scrub your blade with a wet rag dipped in citric acid. Steel wool or a steel brush may be required in case the blade is severely influenced by rust.
Step 4
Once cleaning is done, and you have rinsed your blade clean of all influences, including cleaning off the cleaning solution, make sure dry it quickly.
Straightaway wipes it with a clean towel and tries to dry it. After completely going over it with a towel, treat the blade with heat, preferably in a hot oven (200) for around 15 minutes.
Step 5
Once your steel blade is dry, you need to operate on it to shield it from further oxidation or treat its vulnerability to any more rusting. This can be done in various ways.
A metal primer and rust protectant can be applied to it to ensure that it remains in good shape. Rustoleum is a good product for this use. Linseed oil, olive oil, or even carnauba wax are also potent against oxidation, but require to be applied periodically.
Step 6
After all the aforementioned steps have been taken towards achieving the desired cleanliness, the factor storage comes into play.
Unlike bigger steel objects that stay outside and are prone to corrosion again, blades enjoy the luxury of being stored in clean spaces. Make sure that after every use, you oil your blade with vegetable, or olive oil, or Crisco before putting them in a drawer.
It is recommended that you store them with a few packets of silica gel. When not being used, store your pristine steel blade in a cool, dry place to make certain that they are immune to all external factors that may cause any degradation to the surface.
Looking after and preserving your knives against dirt and corrosion is trouble-free. All you need to take care of your blades are some household stuff and you’re good to go.
All it takes is a little time and care to keep your collection in an unblemished shape for years, or perhaps even decades if due fostering is bestowed.
The aforementioned step by step guide to cleaning steel blades and knives is rather a gospel for novice knife collectors and can make enthusiasts proficient in the skill of preserving knives.
A well-conserved knife in a fairly good condition doesn’t lose its worth with time and is always up for a good spectacle at showcases and exhibitions, and that’s what collecting knives is all about.