Questions about caring for old knives?

[truckemup97]

I have recently had several pocket knives handed down to me that belonged to my grandfather, my father, and my great uncle. Two are stainless (Sabre brand, made in Japan). They're both in pretty good shape. The others are steel, from Case, KaBar, Frontier, Old Timer, and one I can't read. These all have surface rust. What's the best way to preserve these long term? I'm not worried about collector value, I'm worried about preservation. Can I clean them up? Just coat them with RemOil? What's the best way to take care of these?

 

[mitchshrader]

I'd tell you to clean 'em, sharpen 'em, lightly oil & wipe down, and figure which one you want to carry. Keeping them in dry storage and wiping them down yearly is plenty, once they're rust free.

There are chemical rust removers, but a green pad and detergent, or fine steel wool, works unless you're a collector.

 

[DeathGrip]

Find out what you got before you "clean them up"

D.G.