This article teaches how to properly store your knives, as well as some tips for keeping records of them.
How to Store Knives
Store knives in a cool, dry area. Check it every 3-6 months to ensure that they are still dry. Placing moisture absorbing packs nearby (but not touching the knife) can be handy to help ensure the storage area remains dry.
Affordable Solution: Use cardboard sleeves for storing fixed blades instead of leather sheaths.
- You will soon be able to buy A.G. Russell cardboard sleeves (item # RUL-SVL12), or you can make your own cardboard sleeve. Use a thin cardboard (a cereal box will do) and use tape to make them. Do not use staples. Staples may damage your knife. Do not put tape directly on the knife itself.
- Don’t let any metal part of the knife (blade, guard, butt) touch the leather.
- Don’t use rubber bands to keep the knife and sheath together, over long years they dry out, and they can color or hurt your leather.
Kydex, nylon, hard plastic, and most other sheath materials are fine for long term storage with good temperature control.
Use padded Zipper pouches for storing Fixed and folding blades whenever possible.
Do NOT store your knives in direct sunlight.
Sunlight and heat will discolor and dry out your handle and sheath, changing the sizing and causing cracks.
Humidity – Keep It Cool & about 45%.
Be sure to control the temperature and humidity of where your valuable knives are stored. Your storage area should be cool and dry – but not too dry. If it is too humid and you can find mold on your leather or rust on your blade.
Conversely, if it is too dry, your leather and handle materials may dry out and crack. We have found it best to be around 45% humidity. Use a humidity monitor to keep an eye on your storage conditions. You want a controlled environment for valuable knives.
We use humidifiers in the winter, and dehumidifiers in the summer typically – but that will change depending on your space and its conditions.
Be careful when hanging your knives for display.
When you hang something valuable on the wall, there is always the chance it will fall, or be knocked over, be it by accident, kids playing, or earthquake. Secure it well.
If it is in a display case, take it out of the display case every 3 months and check it. Certain display case fabrics have been known to meld to a knife when left in too long, especially if it is left in sunlight. Knives should be handled every 3 months or so, just to check up on them.
Keep good records of your knives.
Make sure to record the maker, handle material, steel type, blade length, and any other relevant information you know. Keep your sales receipt if possible. Take pictures of the receipt as well. A record book like the one pictured can be handy.
Take pictures of the knives with a good camera – or even better, consider hiring a professional photographer. Make sure to get good lighting. It helps with insurance claims, as well as helping law enforcement immensely in recovering stolen knives. Unique and handmade knives can often be recovered with proper record keeping. Take close pictures of identifying parts of the knife – especially the maker’s mark and any other markings.
Keep your records and pictures separate from your knives in case of burglary or other hazards (fire, floods, hurricanes, et cetera).
Thanks for reading!
Look at our other articles about valuable and antique knives:
- General Care Principles For Valuable & Antique Knives
- Cleaning & Protecting Blades & Handles For Valuable & Antique Knives
- How to Care for Leather Sheaths & Pouches For Valuable & Antique Knives
- How to Store & Keep Records of Valuable & Antique Knives
- How to Properly Ship Knives
