Help - Winchester Knives Tarnish Too Quickly

[atmarketing99]

I need advice/suggestions. I have 3 Winchester USA Clasps that must have some kind of "defect" where the Bolters tarnish/oxidize badly only 4 weeks after I polish them. When polished, they look great - but then 4 weeks later, they need to be polished again. After Six Months, they look like "Rusty Junk" - but still polish-up beautifully (with much work). At 65 with Arthritis, this now requires Too Much Work. Anyway, is there ANY kind of treatment/application/chemical that could prevent this? Thx Much.

[cody6268]

Got a photo? Could be due to celluloid off-gassing. If stored properly, my knives don't need polishing that often.

[Mumbleypeg]

Celluloid off gassing is a possibility if your knives have celluloid handle covers. If not, try Tuff-Glide, or RenWax. Tuff-Glide bonds with and retards oxidation of metals. Developed on military contract for lube and rust prevention in harsh, dirty environments. RenWax, aka Renaissance Wax, was developed by the British Museum for preservation of antiques. It will not stop active tarnish however so be sure to remove all tarnish before application.

Tuff-glide is easier to apply but does nothing for non-metallics (won’t hurt them though). Ren-Wax takes a little more effort to apply but works on metal and other surfaces like wood, bone, and stag. A little of either goes a long way.

Pictures might help determine what’s happening. For help with posting pictures go here: https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/knife_forum/. Scroll down to AAPK Tips & Tricks, open that and look for instructions for your device.

Ken

[Modern Slip Joints]

I do not know noth'in, or as the accused testifed in court, to the best of my knowledge I do not recall anything. However, I noticed atmarketing99's bolsters are oxidising quickly to rust color but he does not mention his blades rusting. Absent stainless blades no blade corrosion contradicts celluloid out gassing. Could it be he has very old Winchesters with iron bolsters? If his bolsters are soft carbon steel I'd expext there'd also be at least some rusting on tool steel blades but maybe that's retarded by an even patina?

[Mumbleypeg]

Nickel silver and brass are more susceptible to the effects of outgassing than steel. I have had knives with carbon steel blades and nickel silver bolsters and shields, where in the presence of outgassing the nickel silver tarnished and pitted, but the blades had no damage. At least not at the time I discovered the damage.

Ken

[rwmoss1]

Try a light coat of Renaissance Wax immediately after polishing. It's a little expensive, but a small container will last for years if used properly. This product is commonly called "Ren Wax" on this website.

[OLDE CUTLER]

How are they being stored? If stored in knife rolls this can happen.

[Mumbleypeg]

The OP is nearly a year old and he hasn't responded to earlier posts.

Ken

[OLDE CUTLER]

Another one and done?