I'm considering using English oak for a knife handle and I'm worried about whether it will cause rust on the knife and the pins due to the tannins in the wood. The oak is already dried out, so I'm curious if that makes a difference.
3 Answers
Yes, oak can stain steel, but don’t worry too much about it. Just make sure your blade is properly cared for. Since it’s a carbon steel blade, keeping it dry will help avoid deterioration in the long run!
Actually, you won't get rust per se, but there could be some reactions with the tannins in the oak. This might cause dark stains on the steel where it contacts the wood. If your oak is well-dried, it shouldn’t have a serious impact on the steel itself, just some staining.
That’s good to know! I can live with stains, but will it cause any deterioration of the steel?
If you’re using oak, make sure your knife is made of stainless steel or possibly brass. Oak can retain moisture and, over time, it might lead to rust, even if you don’t wash the knife often. It should hold up for a while, though!
What if I use epoxy to seal it between the oak and the steel?
Thanks! I’m okay with a bit of stain as long as the steel stays intact.