All About Pocket Knives

Hi, I just bought a pot of renwax for my knives and corkscrews based on the glowing recommendations here and elsewhere. I have a few questions. How often does one apply it? If regularly, does it build-up over time or do you clean it off each time somehow? Any advice for a novice waxer? s-k

I will say this S/K, IMO, you'll need about 1/3 of what you think you need.

A THIN film about the size of a thumbnail, will do a 4" stockman, or similar, with wood, bone or stag covers. Using that small amount, there has been no build up for me. I do try to keep it out of the pivot area on folders, as I don't consider it a lubricant...but that is just me.
How often seems to depend on what the knife is exposed to. If it's just a safe/drawer Queen
(Royalty ), probably once a year. If you carry it regularly, probably once a month.

Leaves plenty of room for interpretation, I guess.

Bill

Hi El Lobo, thanks for the info. I used less than that on one I tried today. I applied it with a q-tip and the rubbed it in with a old shirt. Seems to work well. s-k

Hi S/K,

Bill is right on target. Use the Renwax very sparingly. Might even say it's ok to be frugal with this one. heheheh. This stuff is great and just like Bill said, once a year is more than enough for "show-knives" and about once a month for everyday carries. Careful not to use too much. It dries very hard and is not easy to remove (that's why I say be frugal). Not speaking from experience, just relaying what others have told me about being excessive with this wax. I have gotten into the Case Classics and I won't use anything else on them but Renwax. You made the right choice.

later, kj

How should the blade be cleaned before the wax? Thanx... Ken

Hi... great question. I am no expert having just started not long ago myself, but I have different strategies for different categories. New or basically unblemished knives, I clean finger prints maybe a little dirt/grease with a q-tip and window cleaner if needed. Mostly shinny blades with a little tarnish or spots, I use a little Flitz polish again applied sparingly with a q-tip. Old blades with dark patina, but no rust, just a wipe or maybe a touch of alcohol, definitely no polish or any sort of cleaner. For rust, I use a rust removing gel which works fairly well, especially if worked around with a non scratching implement like a blunt wooden or plastic tooth pick. The down side to this is it also removes a little of the shine to surrounding areas, especially of left on for any length of time. I hope others will contribute their suggestions and/or point out any problems with my strategies. s-k

p.s., I recently bought a shampoo sized bottle of liquid Flitz. The bottle says coverage aprox 1500 sq feet. I guess I need more knives.

Hello Gentlemen,
Ken I too use Flitz and love the stuff it works great. I also follow it up with Semichrome, then I hit the knife with RenWax. Just my way of doing it here but it's working for me. Also...NEVER use Renwax on a etched blade. I hear it's a real pain to remove, not made for that.

now, S/K
Very nice job on describing the knife cleaning method. I think you've got the right ideas there. But in ref to the 1500 sq. ft. I DON'T have a knife that big....yet ... I'm still looking though. If I ever find it, I'll just tell the wife...."it followed me home"...

Later, WT3L

Hello all;

I said it befoer and I will say it again. I fell a tab in this site for cleaning and saveing knifes would me very help full.

Can you use Ren Wax on knife handles that are made out G-10 material?

Sure...sorta like a clear coat, I'd guess.
However, G-10 is pretty tough stuff that shouldn't shrink or dry out, like natural materials do, so it might not serve much purpose....but it sure shouldn't hurt the handles.

Bill

Hi, slightly off topic but I use the cleaner/conditioner that I bought with my leather jacket to clean stag handles. It cleans with no adverse effects and also seems to replenish mildly dried-out stag. It is like a lotion and apply a little using a q-tip. Legal Disclaimer: results may vary with material and products so do not try this at home with your prized possession with out a little test first. s-k