Touching the blade of a knife or dagger...

[Rylan]

Hello Everyone,

I am still kind of new to the "do's and don'ts" around here. But recently I was looking over a fellow's dagger collection. I picked up his trench knife and rested part of the blade on my hand. Then he stressed that you are never ever are supposed to touch the blade of a dagger. I didn't even really touch the blade with my finger tip, just the side of my hand. Anyways he was very serious about this and I had no idea.

And then I just saw this... http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=270272

Are you kidding me??? I had NO idea that a fingerprint can somehow become permanent on a dagger like that... How does this happen?! Is it only a problem if you forget to wipe down the blade?

And why is it such a big deal now? I assume the Germans touched their blades, did the metal change over the years or something? Please fill me in here... I am lost...

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Rylan, your friend gave you good advice. Don't touch the blade.

It is the oils from your skin which do the damage, as they are acidic.

The metal has not changed at all. Simply a soldier would keep stuff wiped down with oil.

Cheers, Ade.

[Paul R.]

Good point Ade. NO KIDDING Rylanbrissette I wish it wasn't true, but it isn't. Finger prints can make a lasting impression. Without getting overly long winded on this topic. The human body is full of oils and acids. No soap will wash off these oils and acids 100%. Soap also has chemicals that don't wash off. As we touch our treasures we touch then with soiled hands. For the metal items refered to in this thread. All items will change over time. As time goes on the metal changes in structure. The blade is not like it was when it left the mfg. company. Impurities in the metals will break down in time. Some times we can't see these differences without the aid of a microscope. When an oil wipe is applied to the metal after it was in contact with human oils and acids. The mix of the above is now applied over the entire blade. Giving fuel to oxidize the finish surface. It might not happen right away. In time it will happen. Wearing latex or cotton gloves are also good when handling all items. Fabrics, leather, weapons, paper, and photographs. All museum staff wears gloves all the time they do it for the above reason. Paul

[Paul R.]

ooops! see above

[Rylan]

Thanks for the information, very interesting.

I do not yet have any gloves, but I will soon get a pair. Is there a website that specifically sells these cotton gloves for museums?

My collection is currently sitting on a wooden shelf, behind glass. Whenever I handle my collection, I always wash my hands with dove soap before I pick up anything. I also try to handle only the edge of a badge, same idea when collecting coins.

[Paul R.]

This link was posted in December 2007. There are several companies selling these gloves. If you purchase a heavy glove you can wash them several times over and save $$$. I have had a pair going on three years now. A half dozen sould last awhile. You can also use latex gloves buy them at and drug store.
http://www.saraglove.com

[james m]

Insurance against fingerprints:

*WAX all the blades on your edgerd weapons with a good quality hard paste wax such as Renwax.

*Then if someone touches the blade with their fingers you just wipe the blade off as the wax will protect it from acids and oils.

*I've been doing this for years and never had a problem with fingerprints.

Jim

[Paul R.]

Renwax a collectors friend. Paul

[Stahlhelm]

Renwax a collectors friend. Paul

Yes, I agree 100%! Ren-Wax is positively the best thing out there for blades, and the only thing I ever use on any of mine. It's an investment you'll only appreciate all the more, as the years go by.

Chris

[PZIV]

The natural oils on our hands is never a good thing for ANY militaria or item of age. I usually tough my medals or badges with gloves on.

[SwordFish]

A blade can be touched, but should subsequently wiped off afterward. As my esteemed peers have pointed out, fingerprint oils and acids will cause oxidation...just like on a blued firearm finish. Same premise.

I highly encourage using a museum wax on the blade, to mitigate the possibility of fingerprint damage. Even with a coat of Renwax on the blade, I still reccommend wiping it off after touching it. Now, just to re-emphasise what I said, you can touch a blade, not fondle it for hours on end and put it back without expecting problems. Again, just be sure you wipe it off after handling it. And DO, apply the coat of wax. It really does work.

Just my humble opinion. Happy collecting,
T

[Rylan]

A blade can be touched, but should subsequently wiped off afterward. As my esteemed peers have pointed out, fingerprint oils and acids will cause oxidation...just like on a blued firearm finish. Same premise.

I highly encourage using a museum wax on the blade, to mitigate the possibility of fingerprint damage. Even with a coat of Renwax on the blade, I still reccommend wiping it off after touching it. Now, just to re-emphasise what I said, you can touch a blade, not fondle it for hours on end and put it back without expecting problems. Again, just be sure you wipe it off after handling it. And DO, apply the coat of wax. It really does work.

Just my humble opinion. Happy collecting,
T

Yeah I am starting to think in the long run using the cotton gloves is the best idea. Just out of curiosity, do most stores sell renwax?? or is it more of a specialty item? I don't have a dagger yet, but I will probably want one down the road. Where could I buy some?

[SwordFish]

Definitely a specialty item. I buy mine on the net. Renwax is short for Renaissance Wax. When you hit google to find it, be sure to search by its proper name. I think the GDC store may still sell it as well.

Very effective preservative. Very multi use.

[Paul R.]

Just An FYI On The Ren Wax. A Little Bit Goes A Very Long Way. When You Buy A Tin Of Ren Wax It Should Last A Life Time. Remember You Can't See It Being Left Behind On The Object You Are Appling It To. So Many People Over Apply It. After Many Coats Of Ren Wax On A Blade. It Will Start To Look Like The Wax Inside The Jar. Paul


WE SPEND A LOT OF MONEY ON OUR HOBBY. SPEND A FEW MORE DOLLARS TO PRESEVE HISTORY

[Edgar Estrada]

Can Renwax be used on the whole dagger? (grip, scarbard, etc)

Thanks

Edgar