Bowie knives are some of the most popular blades on the market. These knives have been around for almost 200 years and during that time, they've gained a well-earned reputation for quality, durability, ruggedness and much more. However, all that ruggedness and durability goes out the window if you do not maintain your blade correctly. What should you do about maintaining that blade? How do you know if you're doing it right or not?
The first thing that you'll need to remember is to keep your bowie knife clean and dry. Of course, there are times when the blade will be wet, with water or another substance. There are also times when the blade will become dirty - after all, the utility of these knives is one of their most powerful benefits. However, take the time to clean and dry your knife blade after every use. If you don't, you'll find that even stainless steel blades can corrode and rust.
You must also ensure that your knife is stored away properly when not in use. Some people believe that storing bowie knives in a leather sheath is sufficient protection. However, leather can absorb humidity from the surrounding air, which is then put in direct contact with the metal of the blade during storage. This will eventually create rust and corrosion, even on a stainless steel blade. A better option is a hard scabbard or sheath. Metal works quite well for this and you'll find models that offer a seal for the upper portion of the sheath to help guard against moisture.
Another important point to consider during care and storage of your knife is sharpening the blade. A dull blade is very dangerous. Make sure that you keep the blade sharpened correctly, using a whetstone and strop, a series of whetstones, or using an all-in-one knife sharpener. Keeping the blade sharpened will help ensure that any cuts made are clean and not ragged, and it will also ensure that the blade is in top condition.
You should also watch out for temperature fluctuations. While the blade of your bowie knife is quite resilient, extreme temperatures can damage the temper of the blade. Therefore, never leave it out in the sun, never expose it to salt water (unless cleaned properly afterward) and make sure that you always keep the knife stored away properly, whether it's at your side, or stored in the top of your closet.
The first thing that you'll need to remember is to keep your bowie knife clean and dry. Of course, there are times when the blade will be wet, with water or another substance. There are also times when the blade will become dirty - after all, the utility of these knives is one of their most powerful benefits. However, take the time to clean and dry your knife blade after every use. If you don't, you'll find that even stainless steel blades can corrode and rust.
You must also ensure that your knife is stored away properly when not in use. Some people believe that storing bowie knives in a leather sheath is sufficient protection. However, leather can absorb humidity from the surrounding air, which is then put in direct contact with the metal of the blade during storage. This will eventually create rust and corrosion, even on a stainless steel blade. A better option is a hard scabbard or sheath. Metal works quite well for this and you'll find models that offer a seal for the upper portion of the sheath to help guard against moisture.
Another important point to consider during care and storage of your knife is sharpening the blade. A dull blade is very dangerous. Make sure that you keep the blade sharpened correctly, using a whetstone and strop, a series of whetstones, or using an all-in-one knife sharpener. Keeping the blade sharpened will help ensure that any cuts made are clean and not ragged, and it will also ensure that the blade is in top condition.
You should also watch out for temperature fluctuations. While the blade of your bowie knife is quite resilient, extreme temperatures can damage the temper of the blade. Therefore, never leave it out in the sun, never expose it to salt water (unless cleaned properly afterward) and make sure that you always keep the knife stored away properly, whether it's at your side, or stored in the top of your closet.
About the Author:
Dylan Sabot is the owner of an online bowie knife store featuring a Cold Steel bowie knives sale.
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