Knife Maintenance Stropping and rust prevention

Vaseline aka petroleum jelly. Use's
Prevents rust on carbon steel knives and tools,
Excellent aid for fire lighting,
Prevents rubbing and chafing, use as a quick fix wound dressing, as a lip balm.
In the longer term Vaseline may not be the best method of dealing with a wound. You should then use a proper wound dressing or seek medical help.

[@AussieMark909]

I don't care what anyone says, there is nothing strange about a bloke going alone into the woods with a jar of Vaseline! :-)

[@l.v.i.bushcraftandsurvival6692]

:D

[@tikkidaddy]

LOL...Welp...his tools ain't chaffed and crusted up with rust eh?😁

[@osheenoutside6097]

😂

[@coops9871]

The best thing that's come out of Covid19 is more Wiltshire man videos 😊

[@Jackloreknives]

I hope to meet him one day:)

[@coops9871]

@@Jackloreknives we will mate

[@WiltshireMan]

That'll be great Coops:) I'l like to meet you. I've heard that Jacklore fella is a bit of a Leg End:)

[@coops9871]

@@WiltshireMan Yep he is that😁

[@peteblackwell3]

We missed this one Sandy . Always great to see you . Jeeeeez I bet that knife is super sharp Love the care and enthusiasm in everything you do! Would be so so pleased to hear from you as you mentioned. Hope Mandy is doing really well. Best wishes P & M

[@madgardener5820]

I was a shoe maker years ago and learnt very early how to sharpen knives, we used a wooden strop with fine emery on one side and a piece of leather on the other, flesh side out for taking off the burrs. These days for my bushcraft knife I have a piece of shoulder leather, I use the skin side to hone and then I flip it over to buff up the burrs on the flesh side. This piece of leather is getting quite old and is impregnated with the grit, oil and water mixture from my stone, so it works very well and isn't aggressive. I also use the skin side against the flat of the blade and the back to remove any corrosion. The draw back is that the leather used this way can't be glued to a firm surface. Ace video and thank you for recommending Vaseline, I would never have thought. I'll add some to my kit.

[@marcuskiritsis2076]

Sound advice. I have spent a lot of time with the Gurkhas both in the UK and Nepal. Cracking bunch of guys all very polite with a fantastic sense of humour and fearless soldiers. 🇬🇧👍🇬🇧❤️

[@elderhiker7787]

Wow. I have been vindicated. In the military, our weapons were preserved in Cosmoline. It was a nasty grease-like substance that had to be removed with mineral spirits. Nobody liked it much, but the guns didn’t rust either. When started collecting knives and axes, I tried several oils that I didn’t like very much. Not having Cosmoline, I decided to use Vasoline because I had it in the medicine cabinet. Now, you have convinced me that I made a good choice. Who would argue with the Gurkhas? Thanks a million for your good advice.

[@tennesseesmoky9012]

I commonly carry a small carbon steel fixed bade on me everyday. I have found that Chap Stick (Original) Skin Protectant works very well as a coating for my knife blade and wooden handle. Just coat the blade on each side with a small amount of the Chap Stick. Then I apply a small amount of the Chap Stick protectant to the wood handle of the knife. I rub the protectant into the wood scales. Gives a nice dark color to the wood and protects from moisture. Thanks for your videos. - Tennessee Smoky

[@brawldawg8729]

Good video, as I think many simply default to lubricating their blades as they do other tools, not realizing that safety is important in knife maintenance due to the fact that it is not simply a tool, but also an eating utensil. Vaseline is good to have along for trips in the field, anyway, as it has first aid and fire procurement values as well. At home, I typically use a food safe mineral oil because I have it handy for my cutting boards. Thanks for posting, Sandy! Best wishes to you and yours!

[@dazzaoutandabout4870]

Thanks Sandy. Nice timing and a good prompt for me to takes better care of my knifes. Cheers

[@scotsbob2710]

Thanks again for sharing these tips. All the best from the Highlands

[@dogmandoug1715]

As always. Top advice. Thank you Sandy.

[@MACK13]

Excellent video Sandy, thanks for taking the time to film and share. Hoping to get a wasp or hornet from you. I'm glued to your website every Friday for weeks. All the Best, Mack, Huddersfield

[@Watchugoton]

Great craftsmanship on knife and keep up the vids. 👌🏻👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@cameronlewington3005]

Great vid on a much neglected practice! Best... Cam

[@mikeboone4425]

Sandy this is the first time at least for me any way that some one has mentioned this .the family since my grand father has always used Vaseline on all out door cutting edges axes to knives . I reconditioned my grand dads sheaths about 4 years ago I have no idea how old. I do have pictures of him in 1923 with the knife on his hip .Any way the leather was in good shape he and I always take good care of our leather ,but it needed restitching I opened the sheath and to my surprise the leather inside was like glass so slick and shinny it was hard to believe I am only guessing it is the Vaseline that gives that shin . Just thought you might like to know to me it's very interesting . Happy Trails say hi to the wife we do think about her .

[@kimbullock475]

Wow petroleum jelly.... I never new. Good advice Sandy. Thank you.

[@philt5782]

Great tip mate. We’ve used a 50 50 mix of vaseline and gun oil in the gun trade forever. We even tested it against 3 modern potions I shan’t name and the metal under the vas oil mix did not rust but the modern grease allowed rust in. Vaseline is good stuff.

[@MrTangent]

What gun oil do you mix in it?

[@justindawson3428]

I have never thought about using Vaseline before, I live in the tropics and have had issues with oil so this may be better. Thanks for the tip. One day I will be lucky enough to own one of your knives.

[@juliodefreitas157]

Awesome video and thanks for sharing your tips

[@robg521]

Vaseline.... Not only that, put it on cotton wool to make firestarters. 😁

[@tikkidaddy]

And on ye old Ferro rods...wipe off to use...tinder!😂

[@nickscurvy8635]

"It's got a lot of other uses too" I like where this is going "It's a good fire lighter" *liking where this is going intensifies*

[@dadhobbies]

Perfect timing. I was just trying to sort out what I should use. I will give this a go.

[@JustinTaylor1098]

Very useful video Sandy. Cheers

[@magneto263]

Vaseline and Germoline are fantastic products that formed my mums first aid response for her kids for years!

[@MACK13]

And a poltice?

[@leslieaustin151]

MACK Yeah, that was my Mum! Les

[@TheWtfnonamez]

You are a legend mate.

[@beyergarret123]

Brasso or Silvo polishing wadding for fire lighting, I get through a fair bit with my old classic motorcycles, I keep all the old bits after they have turned black from polishing for tinder, it takes a spark really easily, another cracking video, there's always something to learn with Sandy's vids, well done!

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

Looks good, thanks and take care.

[@David-th2ug]

I've just discovered your videos and knives. Wonderful knives ,I'll have to wait till the wife's not looking before I order one tho' ! Your sharpening and honing tips have gratefully been taken on board . Where on earth we'd all be without people like you with your skills and knowledge I really dont know.

[@PyMike]

Thanks much appreciated

[@smsgtbulldog]

Nicely said!!!

[@bushlore21]

Love that 3mm blade 😎 I use that stropping compound too on the rough surface of the leather and use the smooth side for a few final pass. I apply a small amount of camellia oil - that works great too as you had recommended!! Great tips Sandy, cheers bud ☕️

[@AntSurviveTheNight]

Yes very helpful indeed Sandy thanks. I asked the question to Mark Bailey what is the best thing other than a rubbing compound (I don’t have any) he said like you Auto Sol. Although still learning to sharpen I’m getting there watching videos like these do help loads. Cheers pal, Ant 👍

[@davidkerrychubb1]

Great video, d .chubb.thanks

[@rsb6479]

Another great video, thanks for sharing.

[@LundysWildcampBushcraft]

Good tip sandy it makes sense atvb Jimmy 😎😎

[@bathcolin]

Good tip Sandy. Years ago, 53 maybe? My father gave me a lovely antler handled bowie/hunting knife and leather sheath for my 7th birthday. I soon discovered it didn't like our British damp climate and was told by a fellow fisherman I bumped into back then that WD40 sprayed into the inside of the leather sheath would protect the blade. and I have to say it did! So well that I haven't had to use any WD40 now for about 10 or 15 years. I have to say, I don't do that with all my cutting tools as I have used the vaseline tip just like you on any cutting tool after that knife.

[@thronebreaker6950]

Thank you very much for the video and great idea cheers

[@UrbanGrrl69]

Great tips

[@mynameisnotyours888]

Cheers brother thank u for sharing ur knowledge

[@patrickshaw7983]

I have always used Vaseline, does a good job. Fluff out of your tumble drier filter takes a spark well. you can mix a bit of Vaseline with it as well.

[@JoseMora-wc5zz]

I know I’m late to the scene, but I appreciate the video regardless. I actually use Vaseline on my old steel zippos. It works wonders even years down the road.

[@DDan61]

Thx Sandy always nice to know the makers recommendations :-)

[@lewisward4359]

Vasaline works. Great for a fire starter, I rub a little on cotton balls which store away on old film canisters or small plastic bag I store in the flint and steelier starting kit.

[@andyevans8824]

Hello Sandy, thank you for the useful tip, my Jacklore knives are very important to me. All the Best.

[@TacBlades]

That is an awesome tip, will be doing that to some knives i have in long term storage.

[@Nebulax123]

I agree have used it for many years especially on knives I have in longer term storage.

[@mischef18]

Good bit of info bro. Cheers

[@louisemissouri4410]

I really miss my knife. I had to sell it. I do still have a small one and use it a lot. But the size of the classic can not be beat. Hope you and yours are getting back to normal and please take care. ATB Louise

[@SonofChurchill]

Very helpful Thanks

[@hanikaram3351]

thank you , you are awesome

[@ajs_custom_blades2176]

Hi sandy, bought myself some camellia oil for my new JACKLORE didn’t realise but it’s the actual tea plant 🌱 🤫 learn something new everyday.... hope family yourself and Jess are well . . 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@Jackloreknives]

Camelia oil is good Al. We are OK here thanks.

[@davebuts1921]

Thanks for this video mate, I have been using WD but will now get some Vaseline.

[@silktvPDR1]

Thanks I will need to make sure I keep my Hornet perfect 👍

[@TheTimeChamber2007]

great tip, i have been using gun oil on a rag and wiping my knife before putting away but it feels to 'thin' and although its worked vaseline is probably better long term as it stays in place, thanks!

[@critter856]

Cheers sandy. Great info. Will be buying a small travel size for the kit.

[@tonyjedioftheforest1364]

Hi Sandy, great video as usual. I don’t pretend to be any kind of steel expert but have you tried Ballistol oil? I use it on all my knives and bushcraft tools. As far as I know it was invented by the Germans in the First World War to oil their guns and I am told it’s food safe . I also read somewhere that it can even be used to clean wounds. It also has a pleasant smell. I have used it for years, I have a decent collection of carbon steel knives and have never had rust. The only drawback is if you want a patina on your knives it seems to stop that, all my knives look shiny and new. I have added a patina on a couple of budget Ontario Old Hickory 1095 carbon steel knives with lemon juice as an experiment but finished them with Ballistol. I must admit I didn’t like the old look so didn’t do it on my good knives. I also tried olive oil as a finish which seems popular with some KZbinrs but that seems not to stick to the steel breaking down and would appear as little blobs on the Scandi edge so not offering any protection. As I always say we live and learn, and the best way is to experiment.

[@miguelpimentel8539]

Great idea I usually use evoo

[@oldhairpin]

ACF-50 as used in the aircraft industry to prevent corrosion and used by motorbikers to avoid salt corrosion when they ride in the winter.

[@franotoole2702]

Another good vid sandy.This is the first time ive ever disaagreed with you. Vaselene is not great for a few reasons, it rots rubber, it rots leather and can build up in your sheath over time and most importantly everything sticks to it. I think th gurkas use it because its readily available and it probably lasts longer for them in that enviroment with both heat and moisture. I prefer to use mineral oil its a better choice this end of the world with our enviroment. Clean, food safe aswell, non sticky non staining and can be used on both blade and handle.

[@Jackloreknives]

good poit Fran. I didn't know vaseline can rot leather or rubber

[@Jackloreknives]

Fran, I've just read a comment further down this list by a chap called Mike Boone who who has reconditioned a leather sheath that belonged to his grandfather. They used vaseline a lot and the leather was in great shape despite it's age. I'm with you on the mineral oil I use that when I am hand finishing the blades

[@franotoole2702]

@@Jackloreknives yup, i was told by somebody to put vaselene on my rubber waders to protect them. A couple of months later they fell apart, just dissintegrated. Whatever was in the vaselene rotted it. I was always told not put it on leather also or any petrolium based products. Whatever minerals are in it eats at the leather. I have no personel experience of this tho.

[@stephenfloodphoto]

@@franotoole2702 I've heard olive oil on the rubber works to keep them from drying out

[@franotoole2702]

@@stephenfloodphoto hmm, might try that next time if i get rubber waders. Olive oil also works good on leather thats being used everyday, like saddles, sheaths belts etc..

[@scottfisher661]

good advice Sandy atb scott

[@MrTangent]

Petroleum jelly would work fine, but a little messy. I used Frog Lube before, but it’s messy, too. Thought about mineral oil, which is good as well but finally through lots and lots of research, found Tsubaki oil (camellia). It is what the Japanese use. It is food safe and can be used on knives, sheaths, etc. I recommend it to everyone.

[@Bloated_Tony_Danza]

The reason it's messy is the exact same reason that it's so effective at protecting steel from corrosion. It provides a thicker barrier than oil does, it doesn't run or drip, and it never dries off. You can glob on Vaseline, and water and air will never get to the steel. Cosmoline is messy too, that's why it can protect steel for decades.

[@Bloated_Tony_Danza]

The reason Vaseline works well for the corrosion protection of steel blades is because it's a heavy hydrocarbon. It can adhere to the steel without running or dripping, and without evaporating and drying off. It's ideal for knives. Vaseline provides steel blades a long lasting and mechanically stable barrier from air and water. The fact that it's messy is partly why it's so effective at preventing rust.

[@Andyb2379]

I’ve heard of this before. I’m sure someone said it was good to stop squeaky door hinges if you didn’t have WD40 . Thanks Sandy. When this madness ends we’re have to get out soon.

[@tikkidaddy]

Mike from Bark River Knives suggests their black compound followed by green for stropping and edge maintainence on their A2 and even CPM3V convex blades. Very very informed, simple and well made video mate!

[@carltonwilliams6877]

Thank you sir

[@mauriziobarbati9081]

BEL VIDEO,COMPLIMENTI👍

[@rickcoan9197]

Hi. I like your videos been watching. Caught me by surprise about the “fire lighter.” Would be fun for you to demonstrate.

[@glenray7464]

Out in the bush I use lip balm on my knife . I already got it in my med kit . It is vasoline bace .

[@phyllismulkey3778]

great info

[@Kraken54321]

Could hemp oil be used for blade maintenance as an alternative?

[@jamessherburn]

Best oil? Nose grease, (free and usually available), as pipe smokers use to feed their rosewood bowls. Also, for a strop, vegans can use denim.

[@alf3553]

I carry a 5 ml bottle of Mineral Oil. Good for the blades & food safe, works as a fire 🔥 lighter & good for any little rub or rash from hiking 👍 also to protect the Ferro Rod.

[@tikkidaddy]

That's good too. Just drug store laxative variety😂...mix 50/50 ...or 60/40 with clove essence and you have an approximate of what the Japanese used on katana...clove oil on your khukuri😍cheap unscented baby oil is the same thing. Baby oil is what Simon Hengle from TORA BLADES in the UK suggested to SweetCostaRica here on YT for scabbard fitting and maintenance.

[@glitchyrhythm6749]

I wonder if coconut butter would work for this?

[@rickcoan9197]

Regarding kitchen knives. What wood would you recommend? Do you stabilize it? What do you finish it with? What wood found you have on the knife in this video? How do you maintain the wood?

[@tts3874]

Coconut oil has worked well for me

[@DesmondsDonders]

Not often I get here first.

[@gbro1988]

It stops or slows bleeding

[@rickcoan9197]

Hi. I like your videos been watching. Caught me by surprise about the “fire lighter.” Would be fun for you to demonstrate.

[@xbtusd7501]

l tend to avoid people with pots of Vaseline on camping trips, just a personal preference

[@tonyashton780]

Hi Sandy any tips for sharpening/honing my Karambit. Particularly interested in what shape to make a leather strop for this curved blade. It has been used for removing reel seats on fishing rods I re build and cutting carton/corrugated cardboard. Any tips will be greatly received. Take care best wishes to family. Regards Tony

[@tonyashton780]

Newly subbed as I wasn't aware of this channel so I'm well happy all the best mate. Tony

[@xderiwx]

After coating with Vaseline, the next time you use your knife, are you removing all the Vaseline or just using it with it coated? Is it slippery at all, since it was applied on all exposed metal? Thanks!

[@titot2370]

The tub of Vaseline in my swag is for my knife that I need to oil every night....

[@patrickmurray9409]

Another use for it is fire starting with a cotton ball.

[@ventura1893]

Camelia oil

[@gwynjames2077]

Bought an out of date half litre tub from the chemist of non branded. Think I am sorted for life lol

[@Jackloreknives]

bargain

[@orange010]

Renaissance Wax

[@astrazenica7783]

I bet lard or dubbin could work

[@JesterHellsingborg]

Thanks... use vaseline on my diving knife...

[@dankdirectboutiquebuds7760]

very glad to have found you. can i ask, do you suffer from bells palsy? you have a shade of senna about you

[@Jackloreknives]

Hi no it's not Bells palsy the facial paralysis is due to a type of brain tumour called acoustic neuroma. I had most of the tumour removed years ago but there is still some left that was inoperable at the time.

[@dankdirectboutiquebuds7760]

@@Jackloreknives sorry to be rude, I have utmost respect for you and showed my wife the forbidden woods camp video where you quoted "when you can no longer play what is there to life?" really stuck with me that did

[@stevew585]

Great video thanks. May i ask, can it be used on the wooden handle and the leather sheath?

[@Jackloreknives]

Hi Steve, Just use Vaseline on the blade and any exposed metal like the tang, it shouldn't hurt the handle as in most cases the wood is stabilised and also it won't damage the sheath as the inside of the sheath is coated with Tan cote sealer BUT don't rub it into the sheath on the outside, you want a proprietary leather balm like snow proof or Golden mink oil for that, and a little goes a long way

[@stevew585]

@@Jackloreknives Thanks for the advice, very much appreciated.

[@jonnyb.484]

Hi Sandy. Great video as always mate. Quick question. You said to strop by pulling the blade against the leather. Would you do the same on a stone when sharpening? I feel better when using a stone by pulling the blade back across the stone as apposed to pushing the blade across it, if that makes sense? (it did in my head haha). is there a right and wrong way or is it down to preference? P.S. love to Mandy and hope she on the mend and feeling a bit better.

[@Jackloreknives]

You can still sharpen on stones by drawing the blade backwards, so long as you maintain the same angle all will be good

[@jonnyb.484]

@@Jackloreknives Thank you.

[@farmtrout66]

👍

[@javiergarza5140]

What are your thoughts on lightly coating the whole knife in mineral oil?

[@WiltshireMan]

should be OK but not sure what mineral oil would do in the long term to an unstabilised wooden handle. A hardening oil like boiled linseed etc would do a better job of sealing the wood than mineral oil

[@javiergarza5140]

@@WiltshireMan thank you for that.

[@NikonRules303]

What did you use to rough the leather up with Sandy?

[@WiltshireMan]

Sandpaper. It's a good practice to key up surfaces before gluing

[@NikonRules303]

@@WiltshireMan Did you do the same to the side you sharpen the blade on?

[@deenunya7735]

Would Valve Grinding Paste be Ok Sandy for Stropping or is it too Course?

[@Jackloreknives]

Probably a bit too coarse

[@deenunya7735]

@@Jackloreknives Cheers Sandy

[@natureboy6410]

Polishing compound works good and is pretty easy to find. Don't mix it up with rubbing combound though.

[@mekhane.broken9678]

Is it safe If your knife has a leather sheath? I've read that vaseline is horrible for leather and causes deterioration.

[@Jackloreknives]

No it shouldn't effect my sheaths as I seal the inside of the sheath with Tan cote. I have sheaths here that are over 12 years old that have housed knives with Vaseline coated blades and these sheaths show no ill effects

[@mekhane.broken9678]

@@Jackloreknives thank you

[@DirtyRobot]

Also good for your nipples to stop friction burn :)