Humidity & Storage

[chrisjs100]

Hi I am thinking of buying my first SA than down the line a SS dagger. Can anyone tell me the correct way to store and show them. How do you control the humidity to prevent cracking of the handle. The rest of my dozen or so daggers and in a glass display case and I have used Ren Wax on the blades. Any help would be great. I plan to build a floor to ceiling glass display case and want to include every thing I can to preserve them. Thanks all

[pvluger]

All the panthers, lions, and tigers from the "search button" jungle should be here in any sec....better run!. Before you do, you're off on a good start with the renwax. Some quick basics are:

1. Store these out of their scabbard
2. Get a humidifier/ dehumidifier
3. Get a temp and humidity meter
4. Search for stands that are made from materials safe for your daggers. I avoid wood comletely.

[DR DOLCH]

Get a dehumidifer and keep it below 55% percent

[chrisjs100]

Thank you for the info. I do store and display all my daggers from there scabbards already so that is good. Are the plastic display stands safe long term for display?

[pvluger]

I use the ones from Bill Shea at Ruptured duck. I assume they're probably ok, but I think I read somewhere in the conservation forum to watch for certain plastics. As far as I know acrylic is ok.

[Vaughan]

I live in a damp climate (west of england) I run a dehumidifier in the winter due to condensation caused by the heating. I have had no problems in the seven years I have been displaying my daggers. Nothing looks nicer IMO than a nice wood cabinet but I do have glass shelves & although not necessary for me you could throw in a couple of dessicant packs.

Renwax is wonderful stuff & affords great protection. Belt & braces is always a good idea

[Lon]

Unless you are in a very humid area and if the display space is self contained, a small heat stick from any store that sell safes might do the job.

[Godts]

another thing not mentioned, IF you can turn the pummelbolt, is to loosen the grip a bit so the crossguards can move. Dunno if other collectors do this but this when when the wood of the grip starts to "work" it has room to move and won't split that fast.

Best,
Tom

[SwordFish]

Bill Shea's displays are top notch. I exclusively use his dagger and sword stands. They are not cheap, but are the best out there by far. Unlike the less expensive display stands, Bill's don't become hazed or crack with time. The acrylic plastic is crystal clean and they don't detract from the artifacts which are meant to be displayed. I store all my edged weapons (with the exception of 15 or so sabers hung on the walls) out of their scabbards. The sabers on the wall are due in part to my lack of display case space (I have more than a couple sabers). I'm not advocating for Bill Shea..just saying the saber and dagger stands he sells are miles ahead of the other options out there..but it will cost ya' a few pennies.

Tommy Boy