I am used to cleaning and lightly oiling sharps in the field, followed by more of the same if necessary on inspection at home. On rare occasion a long unused knife warranted gentle use of fine steel wool [guilty as charged].

Have newer silicon-based products displaced some of these old practices?

Thoughts?

Thanks.

When I used to carry a blue steel wheel gun in all kinds of weather, I tried a silicon impregnated cloth. I wasn't all that impressed, the spots where the blue had worn away could get a thin rust started in one eight hour shift. But that was long ago, maybe the cloths are better nowadays...

1+ for sentry solutions. I use tuf cloth on all my knives. They also make marine tuf cloth...good stuff.

Thanks, guys. I will baptise the Kershaw Outlaw when it arrives and commence some field tests of knife and Sentry Solutions protection. I guess my old Mora deserves some TLC as well.

I got introduced to the Marine tuf cloth in Iraq. They were selling it in the PX and it did brisk sales. A lot of seasoned soldiers used them for their metal gear (knives, guns, etc). I discovered in the jungles of Florida that the stuff is fairly effective and more durable than any other cloth wipe I've tried.

I still have, and regularly use, the same tuf cloth I brought back with me from Baghdad back in late 2005. I haven't recharged it yet, and it still imparts a complete coating on my knives and barrels.

Cheap, too. Just wish it was a bit easier to find locally, but ordering it online is easy enough. I got some for a few friends and they've become converts.

Hi All!
I usually use Camellia oil on my bushcraft knife because its non-toxic. its kind of a paint to transport though. Is the tuf cloth non toxic?
Todd

I am gonna have to check that out...I usually jst use olive oil.

From Sentry Solutions: Tuf-Cloth
“Tuf-Cloth

The lint-free replacement for oil and silicone rags. Non-toxic dry film corrosion inhibitors and lubricants provides a fast-drying, water-displacing MICRO-BONDING CRYSTAL BARRIER against rust, friction and wear.”

From the Tuf-Cloth/Tuf-Glide User Manual:
“Rust Protection-
Sentry Solutions’ TUF products are fast drying replacements for oils, silicones and traditional corrosion inhibitors. TUF-CLOTH™, MARINE TUF-CLOTH™ and TUF-GLIDE™ provide dry bonded, non-toxic protection against rust, friction and wear for all types of outdoor gear and tools.”

… and…

“Can I use my TUF-CLOTH treated knife to cut food?
TUF-CLOTH’s dry bonded protection is non-toxic. The bonding reduces any transfer to food items cut. If you plan to cut food with a TUF-CLOTH treated blade, we suggest that you wash or wipe the blade first, and then reapply when convenient.”

With that said, I wouldn’t exactly wad up the Tuf-Cloth, stick it in my mouth, and suck the juices out of it in a moment of thirst.

"With that said, I wouldn’t exactly wad up the Tuf-Cloth, stick it in my mouth, and suck the juices out of it in a moment of thirst. wink"

Hmmpf? at ow een?
Hold on, let me pull this cloth out of my mouth....was using it a chew toy:)

Thanks !!

Then they say this in the FAQ:
ºCan I use my TUF-CLOTH treated knife to cut food?

None of Sentry Solutions products are FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved. TUF-CLOTH's protection bonds to metal surfaces. This bonding reduces the possibility of transferring material to food items that might be cut. If you plan to cut food with a TUF-CLOTH treated blade, we suggest that you wash the blade first.


confusing no?

Likely added under the guidance of their legal team.

Just got one of these babies! seems pretty nice so far, much easier to carry than an oil bottle!

have not tried it for taste yet:)

Their fence stradling is not confusing. They're just saying that while the "bonding" will reduce transfer to food, they don't suggest you make it a regular part of your diet and wash the knife before using it. I's non-toxic, meaning it won't kill you immediately, but it's also not "food" so don't eat it if you don't have to.
Thus, +1 on the olive oil. I wipe down our knives with it regularly, it prevents rust and helps keep wooden scales in good shape too.