Sorry for this newbie question. And sorry for making it so long. I was wondering how to properly store a good set of knives long term, if you only intend to use them on special occasions?
I am a home cook, and have always used Wüsthof. I have wanted to try some Japanese style knives. I got a Shun Classic chef's knife, and I like how well it cuts. Well, yesterday I was in Williams Sonoma and saw that the Shun Bob Kramer Meiji set was 1/2 off. I understand that a mainstream brand like Shun is not going to be as great as a small craft shop Japanese knife, however, these were beautiful knives, reproductions of Bob Kramer originals. In fact, a bit too good looking to use, except on very special occasions.
So, I planned to store them(sorry for how long-winded this post is). I was going to get a metal toolbox, line it with foam, sheath the knives in cardboard and pack them in more foam, and add a silica gel packet or two to keep moisture out. Then I saw this post(I hope linking is alright):
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...ife-Storage-and-Display?p=2146315#post2146315
This gentleman posts three posts in a row, all of which were worrisome, and it got me thinking:
1. In sheathing knives, would I not be able to use paper or cardboard, as they are made with acid? Would a plastic sheath like Lamson release gases over time? Is it better to use a magnetic felt sheath, or use vellum paper as a sheath instead, for long-term storage?
2. As foam releases gases, marring the blade, is it better to use museum grade felt, or would foam in this case still be alright? Should I instead try to line the box with something like latex or rubber?
3. Silica gel. According to that man's post, it can wreck your knives, used improperly by not "charging" them. Problem is, he never said they still wouldn't wreck you knives if used properly. Has anyone used silica gel in their knife storage? If regularly charged, do they not dry out the wood/rust the blades, are there any experiences yay or nay? Or is it better just to leave them at regular humidity(I ask as I live in the southern parts of the US, a rather humid place)?
4. Should the knives be regularly oiled? I just don't want to take these knives out for when company is coming over, and find a lovely rust patina all over it.
5. Am I over-thinking this too much?
6. Bueller?
I am a home cook, and have always used Wüsthof. I have wanted to try some Japanese style knives. I got a Shun Classic chef's knife, and I like how well it cuts. Well, yesterday I was in Williams Sonoma and saw that the Shun Bob Kramer Meiji set was 1/2 off. I understand that a mainstream brand like Shun is not going to be as great as a small craft shop Japanese knife, however, these were beautiful knives, reproductions of Bob Kramer originals. In fact, a bit too good looking to use, except on very special occasions.
So, I planned to store them(sorry for how long-winded this post is). I was going to get a metal toolbox, line it with foam, sheath the knives in cardboard and pack them in more foam, and add a silica gel packet or two to keep moisture out. Then I saw this post(I hope linking is alright):
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...ife-Storage-and-Display?p=2146315#post2146315
This gentleman posts three posts in a row, all of which were worrisome, and it got me thinking:
1. In sheathing knives, would I not be able to use paper or cardboard, as they are made with acid? Would a plastic sheath like Lamson release gases over time? Is it better to use a magnetic felt sheath, or use vellum paper as a sheath instead, for long-term storage?
2. As foam releases gases, marring the blade, is it better to use museum grade felt, or would foam in this case still be alright? Should I instead try to line the box with something like latex or rubber?
3. Silica gel. According to that man's post, it can wreck your knives, used improperly by not "charging" them. Problem is, he never said they still wouldn't wreck you knives if used properly. Has anyone used silica gel in their knife storage? If regularly charged, do they not dry out the wood/rust the blades, are there any experiences yay or nay? Or is it better just to leave them at regular humidity(I ask as I live in the southern parts of the US, a rather humid place)?
4. Should the knives be regularly oiled? I just don't want to take these knives out for when company is coming over, and find a lovely rust patina all over it.
5. Am I over-thinking this too much?
6. Bueller?