Is there any shelf life of steel? Lets say for an example that we have a Leatherman multi tool and a Victorinox knife. How long would they last without any noticable change in the steel? If we speak about about sharpening ability, corrosions resistance, strenght and so on. Is there such a thing as steel shelf life? Or will I probably die before the steel gets any weaker?
Is there any shelf life of steel? Lets say for an example that we have a Leatherman multi tool and a Victorinox knife. How long would they last without any noticable change in the steel? If we speak about about sharpening ability, corrosions resistance, strenght and so on. Is there such a thing as steel shelf life? Or will I probably die before the steel gets any weaker?
The LM would rust as soon as you turn your back on it :pommel: :D but the Vic would still be usable in 100 years time.
Seriously, I don't know figures but they would both be in great shape long after you've gone, provided they weren't in a corrosive atmosphere.
If it's unstressed and corrosion free it'll last forever(-ish). There are instances of springs breaking on older knives, even when not in use.Probably due to flaws that would be less common in the modern steel?
Probably due to flaws that would be less common in the modern steel?
Probably due to flaws that would be less common in the modern steel?
Maybe. It's a known issue on the Leatherman Squirt and Style PS small scissors, probably due to exceeding the material stress/fatigue limits.
Is there any shelf life of steel? Lets say for an example that we have a Leatherman multi tool and a Victorinox knife. How long would they last without any noticable change in the steel? If we speak about about sharpening ability, corrosions resistance, strenght and so on. Is there such a thing as steel shelf life? Or will I probably die before the steel gets any weaker?
The LM would rust as soon as you turn your back on it :pommel: :D but the Vic would still be usable in 100 years time.
Seriously, I don't know figures but they would both be in great shape long after you've gone, provided they weren't in a corrosive atmosphere.
I'm just getting a bit paranoid about my collection, I want to be able to use it for the rest of my life :D
They are kept in a dry environment! :)
The blade in this knife is 100 years old, not too shabby :D
(also the back spring and horn scales)
You can sleep again tonight Aikon :salute: :D
(https://i.imgur.com/iK5Lbvg.jpg)
The blade in this knife is 100 years old, not too shabby :DAnd Tony should know....... :pok:
(also the back spring and horn scales)
You can sleep again tonight Aikon :salute: :D
(https://i.imgur.com/iK5Lbvg.jpg)
FWIW, just from storage my Gerbers and LMs have developed spots, slight rust or dimples many times, in most models
None of my polished SOGs or Vics have suffered from that, being stored in the same place under the same conditions
:whistle:
Flitz.
As a big time LM fan, I must begrudgingly admit, LMs(particularly newer ones) require several treatments of drying silicone oil before they stop getting tiny rust specs on the pliers and satin finished tools just riding in a sheath on my belt. :facepalm:Is there any shelf life of steel? Lets say for an example that we have a Leatherman multi tool and a Victorinox knife. How long would they last without any noticable change in the steel? If we speak about about sharpening ability, corrosions resistance, strenght and so on. Is there such a thing as steel shelf life? Or will I probably die before the steel gets any weaker?
The LM would rust as soon as you turn your back on it :pommel: :D but the Vic would still be usable in 100 years time.
Seriously, I don't know figures but they would both be in great shape long after you've gone, provided they weren't in a corrosive atmosphere.
One of my Japanese swords is about 700-800 years old (Koto era). It is is still in good shape and is VERY sharp. Japanese swords from about 1600-1800 are considered "New Swords" (Shinto era), etc.:o Impressive! Any pics Redmond?
Steel will outlive you by many lifetimes with proper maintenance. :)
One of my Japanese swords is about 700-800 years old (Koto era). It is is still in good shape and is VERY sharp. Japanese swords from about 1600-1800 are considered "New Swords" (Shinto era), etc.:o Impressive! Any pics Redmond?
Steel will outlive you by many lifetimes with proper maintenance. :)
One of my Japanese swords is about 700-800 years old (Koto era). It is is still in good shape and is VERY sharp. Japanese swords from about 1600-1800 are considered "New Swords" (Shinto era), etc.:o Impressive! Any pics Redmond?
Steel will outlive you by many lifetimes with proper maintenance. :)
One of my Japanese swords is about 700-800 years old (Koto era). It is is still in good shape and is VERY sharp. Japanese swords from about 1600-1800 are considered "New Swords" (Shinto era), etc.:o Impressive! Any pics Redmond?
Steel will outlive you by many lifetimes with proper maintenance. :)
Awesome swords... :drool:
I heard a theory for why we consider old katanas to be so good...
Awl the bad ones were broken hundreds of years ago, and only the luckiest from the best of the best made it to today. :D
I do wonder what museum people consider optimal storage environment though? There are likely differences for different kinds of steel.
I do wonder what museum people consider optimal storage environment though? There are likely differences for different kinds of steel.
How about The National Park Service "Museum Handbook Appendix O: Curatorial Care of Metal Objects" PDF as a good base document?
https://www.nps.gov/museum/publications/MHI/Appendix%20O.pdf
I do wonder what museum people consider optimal storage environment though? There are likely differences for different kinds of steel.
How about The National Park Service "Museum Handbook Appendix O: Curatorial Care of Metal Objects" PDF as a good base document?
https://www.nps.gov/museum/publications/MHI/Appendix%20O.pdf
Excellent! :cheers: Where else can you find chapters like "Emergency Procedures for Metal objects". :D
More to the point it seems I was onto something by covering larger metal objects in acid-free wax for long term storage. (Note: Keep inside something to keep birds and animals away. One year there was small blunt beaked birds flying around, and no wax left on my metal...).
Many museums use Renaissance Wax as a preservative. I use it for revolvers. and it works well. You wipe a light coating on, let it sit a few minutes then wipe it off (like waxing a car). Use it sparingly.I do wonder what museum people consider optimal storage environment though? There are likely differences for different kinds of steel.
How about The National Park Service "Museum Handbook Appendix O: Curatorial Care of Metal Objects" PDF as a good base document?
https://www.nps.gov/museum/publications/MHI/Appendix%20O.pdf
Excellent! :cheers: Where else can you find chapters like "Emergency Procedures for Metal objects". :D
More to the point it seems I was onto something by covering larger metal objects in acid-free wax for long term storage. (Note: Keep inside something to keep birds and animals away. One year there was small blunt beaked birds flying around, and no wax left on my metal...).
not to mention the ultra corrosive, acidic and destructive birds feces :ahhh that could end up in your exposed tools :o
I use it for revolvers. and it works well.
Redmond, pardon me while I drool. Back here, where I can't drip on anything important and dishonor myself. :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool:Yup. Old S&W revolvers, here are some J and K frames.I use it for revolvers. and it works well.
Vintage as well?
Real katanas and wakazashis, plus possibly old school wheelguns? Ladies and gentlemen, we may have a Six-gun Samurai in the house. :D And I"m jealous if it is true.
BTW - I'm pretty vintage as well. Possibly antique.
I'm just getting a bit paranoid about my collection, I want to be able to use it for the rest of my life :D