How to keep daggers

[Doom4]

Hi guys,

I am thinking that I will keep my daggers and their blades within their scabbards. Do you think it's a good idea? I am quite curious what you prefer the most because I have recently had some problems with blades because they cought mold from my displayes with leather features.

[Seigfried]

Hi guys,

I am thinking that I will keep my daggers and their blades within their scabbards. Do you think it's a good idea?

No.

Personally I like to see my blades, the cross grain, mottos etc. If stored correctly they should not pose a problem. Also, a blade may deteriorate in a scabbard and you'll never know!

I'd only keep a blade in a scabbard if the scabbard was in better condition than the blade!

[Bernie Brule]

Wherever you keep your daggers, it has to be dry. Mold is a sign of dampness. Put packets of silica in with your daggers if there is a moisture problem. Mine are always displayed out of the scabbard.

[Stu W]

Unless I'm shipping a dagger or bayonet I do not return it to a scabbard. I keep mine out and dry and in a room where the temperature does not fluctuate wildly.

Regards,
Stu

[BROBS]

caught mold?
How wet was the area????

I keep humidity in my display room between 35-55 percent (based on season) and have had no such issues.

-Brian

[DR DOLCH]

Humidity is the key to rust and mold.Get a dehumidifier keep it below 50 P.S I keep my blades in the scabbard.

[Jurgen E]

Always dry and never any moisture. Never put them back in the scabbard unless I ship it someplace. Jurgen

[Dan M]

I've been storing mine in Riker cases out of the scabbard with silica packets. They've been in the cases for several years with no problems so far.

[Tiger 1]

Scabbards are made to house the blade. As long as the temp and humidity levels are kept properly there is no problem keeping blades in the scabbards. A light oiling or a presevative like a carnuba wax or Ren wax AFTER a proper cleaning is all that's called for. Waxes are NOT cleaning agents, just preservatives blocking the item from the elements.

Dust attracts atomospheric moisture and is more of a danger to the well being of a naked blade, or other metal objects for that matter, than one stored in it's original scabbard.

More harm has been done to collectables by good intentions and poor knowledge. Most collectables have survived well on their own.

What I find very sad is going to buy some edged weapons from vets or their estates only to learn that the scabbards have been misplaced or worst been thrown away by the family. More often than not with the comment that they displayed better............Don't be part of that senario, unless you have everything marked as what goes with what and your heirs know the importance of keeping things together. The again, that doesn't apply if you plan to live forever.

All the best.

Tony