M4 bayonet for m1 carbine storage question

Hello all, I was hoping someone could help me with the correct information on how to properly store my m4 bayonet long term. It has the leather handle still intact on it and is in very good condition. My plan is to put a very light coat of oil on the blade and handguard and store it sealed in a gallon-sized Ziploc bag.I have owned it for approximately three or four years now and have stored it this way since I bought it. Will this degrade or affect the leather handle in any way? I have always heard that leather jackets need to breathe and not be kept in a sealed bag and was wondering if the leather on the handle of my bayonet needs to be treated the same way. I just don't want to end up getting it back out 15 or 20 years later only to find the leather handle has dry rotted being sealed away in a bag. I don't know if the leather on the handle would dry rot being sealed in a bag or not so I figured I would ask the experts on here that are a million times more knowledgeable than I am on this. Can anyone foresee any problems I would run into storing it this way? The reason I chose the ziplock bag storage method is because there is a smoker in the house. I have also been storing all my world war II canvas gear in bags as well . Thanks to everybody for their time

Can you find an airtight sealer? That would take all air out and might work. 20 years is a stretch...

Yes I'm sure I could get a vacuum sealer and the bags that go with them if that would truly be the best way to preserve them for a very long time. would keeping a leather handle on a bayonet airtight for a very long time hurt it? Or does leather need tiny bits of moisture in the air to survive intact? I have seen pictures of other people's bayonets before and the leather handles are rotted and ate up but they never said how the handles got that way in the first place. I just want to make sure I store these items in the best way possible to preserve them the best way possible. All my world war two items are likely to stay in my possession for a very long time because I am the type of person that hates to sell anything once I have collected it. When it comes to world war II gear and guns, I am a borderline hoarder ha ha

If you keep them stored in a dark area that is more or less temperature controlled and not high humidity you should be fine. Things that are destructive to anything are direct sunlight, excessive heat and moisture. Other things to watch for are salts and oils which can be deposited by handling. So, if handling and you're concerned, wear gloves or wipe down afterwards.

Most destruction seen on older military items happened a long time ago during normal use and failure to maintain them. Then they were brought home, put in a cardboard box and put in the basement, attic, garage, etc where the lack of maintenance and decades of humidity did their work. Things that were cleaned, and stored in a desk drawer to be admired and remembered periodically are the things that today are in great shape.

Attics create dry heat which can dry out the leather. Basements and garages to a lesser extent are moisture havens. Barns and sheds open it up to weathering depending on condition of the building and critters.

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Originally Posted by jond41403

I am the type of person that hates to sell anything once I have collected it. When it comes to world war II gear and guns, I am a borderline hoarder ha ha

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Welcome to the club.

Renaissance Wax is supposed to be good. If you believe the sales literature. I've used it on some items. I probably won't live long enough to see if it's effective! :ugh: