Buck 110 bolster patina

Andetto · **on:** November 21, 2022, 09:38:15 PM

Hi
The bolster in my buck 110 got an oxidation on the side that touches the inner threading of the sheath, the shape of the dotted circle in the photo.
How can you avoide this?

Cheers

SteveC · **Reply #1 on:** November 21, 2022, 11:00:57 PM

Polish it periodically or don't keep in the sheath .

nate j · **Reply #2 on:** November 22, 2022, 01:59:05 AM

Steve pretty much nailed it, but to perhaps add/expand on a few points:

- I think it is a best practice not to store knives in leather sheaths (unless actually being carried), as the sheath can tend to hold moisture against the knife.

- Many people appreciate the patina that can develop on some materials of a knife that is carried and used. Your knife doesn’t look bad to me.

- If you really don’t like it, polishing is certainly an option as Steve said. You could also look at some other 110 options; nickel silver bolsters will be more resistant to this than brass, and there are also the variants without bolsters.

Andetto · **Reply #3 on:** November 22, 2022, 04:27:20 AM

Thanks Steve and Nate.
I use a mix of vinegar and salt to polish it.
But the dots are getting deeper overtime.
I guess keeping it out of the sheath is better.

Am short of resources here, but asked a friend to send me "brass".
Do you recommend any household material for polishing, other than vinegar, I don't prefer using it.

Regards

Farmer X · **Reply #4 on:** November 22, 2022, 10:07:08 AM

I've heard of many people using Flitz metal polish with good results. I have a tube of Case Paste, but haven't tried it yet. Others will have more suggestions, I'm sure.

SteveC · **Reply #5 on:** November 22, 2022, 01:40:32 PM

I've always used "Brasso" to clean any brass I have.

https://www.google.com/search?q=Brasso&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS901US901&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

aicolainen · **Reply #6 on:** November 22, 2022, 02:30:40 PM

I don't have the slightest clue what you should use to polish brass. I like how it ages and takes on character, so it hasn't been an issue.
Vinegar and salt are typically agents used to speed up oxidation, so even though it may work well for polishing (which I wouldn't know), you should be very careful to remove any residue after polishing, and give it a protective layer of lubricant.
Beyond that, Steve pretty much nailed it in his first reply.

I totally understand if you want to keep it nice and shiny, but my best advice would be to just embrace the patina and enjoy your tool without worry

Andetto · **Reply #7 on:** November 22, 2022, 04:13:47 PM

Thanks everyone.

Aloha · **Reply #8 on:** November 22, 2022, 05:10:41 PM

I use leather with green compound. Strop/polish till desired finish. Also everything else mentioned about storing in leather. That goes for anything stored in leather. Not the best environment for storage.

Farmer X · **Reply #9 on:** November 24, 2022, 06:25:40 AM

I've used vinegar to remove rust from carbon steel blades. It'll get the job done if you don't mind the blade darkening. Not sure if it would similarly darken brass.