Problematic knife displays

[Sharpnshinyknives]

I got this Cattaraugus whittler the other day. It was listed as new but it was damaged. This knife had sat in this A.G. Russell clamshell display case for almost 30 years. There was a cutout in the red velvet for the knife and it was resting on foam rubber. As you can see in the pictures, the foam rubber is breaking down and it pitted the bolsters lying on it and pitted the liners that it was touching. I have encountered this before with A.G. Russell knives from 30 years ago but I wasn’t able to figure out what had caused it since those other knives did not have a box or clamshell case when I bought them. They must have been stored against foam rubber also.
Since this happened I went searching through my display cases to make sure there was no foam rubber in them. I discovered that the last 4 cases I bought from a collector have foam rubber that the knives rest against. You can bet I am replacing that foam rubber with something else ASAP.
Coincidentally the next day after I got this knife, I got another A.G. Russell knife in the same kind of clamshell case and the foam rubber had turned to dust, fortunately the foam rubber was not in contact with the knife.
Just a word of caution about display cases.
Any suggestions as to the best material to have in a display case would be appreciated.

[Ridgegrass]

Too Bad, Mark, but they should polish out ok. Good luck. J.O'.

[Sharpnshinyknives]

Too Bad, Mark, but they should polish out ok. Good luck. J.O'.

It’s already in the hands of a new owner who has polished them out and made it look brand new. Good to know there are people around who do that. Wish I could do that myself. I wonder how bad this would look in 30 more years, or even 10 years?

[ThatWeirdKnifeGuy]

I've used silicone mats successfully, but only recently so I can't say what 30 years will bring. Just bought a 24×24 inch mat and cut that to size. I've considered, but not yet followed through, buying cloth by the yard from Pacific Silvercloth. It's the same material used to line silverware chests. It's embedded with silver. The old silverware chests I use for storage seem to do the job well.

[tvic]

I bought one old display case at a knife show a couple of years ago and haven’t used it yet, but I’m glad I read this because it has foam rubber in it!
I have had knives resting on felt in drawers for years and no problem. I also bought some of those plastic jewelry trays that are “flocked.” It is supposed to mimic something like a very thin layer of velvet. These are also in drawers and seem to work well.

[Mumbleypeg]

Mark I feel for you. I have experienced the same problem you’ve described with foam, elastic, and knife rolls (Hickory Hills which are reputed to be the best). Some of mine were even pitted to the point they could not be buffed out. As long-time collectors we learn the hard way after years of storage, when one day upon periodic inspection we find our collections have been damaged. Who knows what triggers it?

So far I’ve never had a problem with 20+ years of using Sackups for storage of knives and firearms. But those aren’t used for “displays”. I have an antique oak cabinet I acquired to use for display and storage but haven’t done so yet. The wooden drawers need some type of liner material but I’m unsure (untrusting) what material to use. Contemplating contacting the maker of Sackups to see if they’d sell some of their treated cloth “by the yard”. I’ve also considered trying silver cloth but really don’t have any experience with it and knives.

Ken

[woodwalker]

Mark I feel for you. I have experienced the same problem you’ve described with foam, elastic, and knife rolls (Hickory Hills which are reputed to be the best). Some of mine were even pitted to the point they could not be buffed out. As long-time collectors we learn the hard way after years of storage, when one day upon periodic inspection we find our collections have been damaged. Who knows what triggers it?

So far I’ve never had a problem with 20+ years of using Sackups for storage of knives and firearms. But those aren’t used for “displays”. I have an antique oak cabinet I acquired to use for display and storage but haven’t done so yet. The wooden drawers need some type of liner material but I’m unsure (untrusting) what material to use. Contemplating contacting the maker of Sackups to see if they’d sell some of their treated cloth “by the yard”. I’ve also considered trying silver cloth but really don’t have any experience with it and knives.

Ken

Ken, I also have an Antique Oak Typsetter Cabinet and I lined the drawers with rug backing (the stuff you buy at Menards) and so far no problems. I just got it lined though and dont really know enough yet about it. But it may be an idea for you. I'd hate to tell you wrong though.

[Sharpnshinyknives]

Thanks for the suggestions. I hadn’t even thought about silicone. My other display cases have felt, but I’m beginning to question how it’s going to hold up over time. The Pacific Silvercloth sounds like it might be the best option. I have a bit of distrust of silicone since it can interact with certain chemicals and I seriously doubt that anyone has tested these for long term use with knives. I have knives that have been on felt in display cases for over 25 years and no problems but I do notice a bit more of the usual discoloration that you get on nickel silver bolsters but it does seem to be worse where it sits agains the felt compared to the side next to the glass. Going to have to do some serious research and I appreciate all the suggestions. Keep em coming.

[cudgee]

Thanks for the suggestions. I hadn’t even thought about silicone. My other display cases have felt, but I’m beginning to question how it’s going to hold up over time. The Pacific Silvercloth sounds like it might be the best option. I have a bit of distrust of silicone since it can interact with certain chemicals and I seriously doubt that anyone has tested these for long term use with knives. I have knives that have been on felt in display cases for over 25 years and no problems but I do notice a bit more of the usual discoloration that you get on nickel silver bolsters but it does seem to be worse where it sits agains the felt compared to the side next to the glass. Going to have to do some serious research and I appreciate all the suggestions. Keep em coming.

I rotate my knives but some less than others. I use quality microfibre towels. I bought a bulk lot years ago and have never had an issue. But i don't use display cases.

[Mumbleypeg]

It just occurred to me that the solution depends on what is meant by “display”. I said that Sackups aren’t really displays. When in the Sackups roll the knives aren’t visible. But they aren’t visible when in a clamshell either, unless the lid is left open.

If knives are housed in an enclosure where the knife isn’t visible, is that a “display”? If they’re not actually visible when in storage then hands-down Sackups are the way to go. They’re available to hold individual knives or in various multiples. In the case of the oak cabinet I mentioned above, I’m looking for something to use as a drawer liner - the knives won’t be visible unless a drawer is opened.

Lastly I have a couple of 40+ year old Case retail displays with knives wired to particle board, under glass, as they came from the factory. An actual display! The displays are in my office (climate controlled) and not exposed to sunlight. The knives are pristine save for some “Delrin haze” on the few that have Delrin covers. So there’s that option (mounted on a wooden board) - the drawback is although the knives are visible they-re not capable of being coon-fingered.

Ken

[woodwalker]

It just occurred to me that the solution depends on what is meant by “display”. I said that Sackups aren’t really displays. When in the Sackups roll the knives aren’t visible. But they aren’t visible when in a clamshell either, unless the lid is left open.

If knives are housed in an enclosure where the knife isn’t visible, is that a “display”? If they’re not actually visible when in storage then hands-down Sackups are the way to go. They’re available to hold individual knives or in various multiples. In the case of the oak cabinet I mentioned above, I’m looking for something to use as a drawer liner - the knives won’t be visible unless a drawer is opened.

Lastly I have a couple of 40+ year old Case retail displays with knives wired to particle board, under glass, as they came from the factory. An actual display! The displays are in my office (climate controlled) and not exposed to sunlight. The knives are pristine save for some “Delrin haze” on the few that have Delrin covers. So there’s that option (mounted on a wooden board) - the drawback is although the knives are visible they-re not capable of being coon-fingered.

Ken

Hey Ken, the rug backing is what I used to line my drawers.

[knife7knut]

I have used felt bought from a local dry goods store for about $3 a square yard. Available in many colors. I use black & green. I would NOT use that perforated shelf liner as l have experienced it sticking to tools after a period of time. It also outgasses when it gets hot.JMHO

[woodwalker]

I have used felt bought from a local dry goods store for about $3 a square yard. Available in many colors. I use black & green. I would NOT use that perforated shelf liner as l have experienced it sticking to tools after a period of time. It also outgasses when it gets hot.JMHO

Thank you sir!!

[Sharpnshinyknives]

I've used silicone mats successfully, but only recently so I can't say what 30 years will bring. Just bought a 24×24 inch mat and cut that to size. I've considered, but not yet followed through, buying cloth by the yard from Pacific Silvercloth. It's the same material used to line silverware chests. It's embedded with silver. The old silverware chests I use for storage seem to do the job well.

Thanks for the suggestion on the silvercloth. From the research I’ve done, I think that will be the safest and least problematic material. I’m going to replace all the felt and the those ones with foam rubber with this material. It isn’t cheap but my wife, who has sewed for over 50 years, tells me that we can probably get enough material from one yard to cover 4 display cases so that will make it about 8 dollars per case. I can’t think of a better way to spend 8 dollars to protect my collection. I really appreciate the suggestion, I would never have thought of this.