Sunday, February 27, 2011

How To Maintain And Store Your Hunting Knives

Your hunting knife is not just a tool for hunting wild game, but an extension of yourself. Just as you would take care of your own body, you should regularly clean and oil your hunting knives to keep them in prime condition. If your knife is lackluster and has dull edges, then it??s past time to get it cleaned and serviced. Simple steps such as washing your knife after use goes a long way in preserving its integrity. By using proper cleaning and storage techniques, you will be able to preserve the longevity of your stainless steel hunting knife for many years to come. Here are some tips to keep your hunting knives in prime condition. Get rid of fingerprints The first thing you should do when cleaning your knife is to get rid of fingerprints on the blade; fingerprints contain an acid that causes your blade to rust. A great way to get rid of fingerprints is to softly rub a mixture of salt and vinegar on the blade with a clean soft cloth or wine cork. Clean after every use Remember to clean your stainless steel hunting knives after every use. Use a spray cleaning product that is specifically formulated for stainless steel. After cleaning, immediately dry your hunting knives using a soft cotton cloth. Make sure to dry both the blade and handle all the way through. If you are drying folding hunting knives then it is important to pay extra attention to the moving parts. Oil your knife The next step is to use oil, which keeps the blades from rusting and maintains your knife??s functionality, as well as its look. General-purpose oil works perfectly fine; simply apply a small amount to the blade of your knife, as too much oil can cause dirt and dust to stick to your blade. This does not take long, and spending a few intimate moments with your blade will ensure that your knife remains both clean and functioning for a long time. Keep it sharp If you have noticed that your hunting knives exhibit a severely reduced performance in cutting, then it is time to sharpen them. To do this, simply sharpen the blades of your hunting knives on a lubricated stone. Store them properly One of the most important aspects of keeping your hunting knives in prime condition is how you store them. During a field expedition, a leather sheath helps to protect your knife, however storing hunting knives for long periods of time in a leather sheath actually does quite the opposite, encouraging your blades to rust. In order to keep your hunting knives rust free, seek to store them in a cool, dry location with a constant temperature whenever you are not using them. Learn and incorporate these necessary practices to clean and maintain your hunting knives yourself, and you can save yourself both time and money. By: Ben Anton
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