14C28N Problem

europeanoutdoorsman · Jul 11, 2012

Hi All,
First let me say, I love 14C28N. It is nearly a perfect steel. For what it is and it's cost, it is AMAZING. However, I am having an big issue with rust. I have been EDCing a skyline. It is for sure using the 14C28N steel. I noticed slight spots of rusting on it yesterday. I cleaned it up and put it back together. Today around lunchtime, I noticed some spots re-appearing, but not in the same areas. When I got home, the rust had spread a lot! I love everything else about this steel, but I live in Europe, not the jungle. I think Kershaw should put coatings on their 14C28N blades.

Anyone run into the same issues?

LeonWilderness · Jul 11, 2012

I have noticed the same problem with some of my Kershaws. The spots come off with a damp rag, so it's really a non-issue to me. I prefer non-coated blades.

kreole · Jul 11, 2012

It's not the steel so much as the bead blast finish. Bead blasting turns any steel into a rust bucket. You could improve the finish or keep the blade lubed. I threw the blade and lock side of my OD-1 into a vibratory tumbler with walnut shells and Blue Magic metal polish for a few days, and that has stopped it from rusting.

paranoidsentry · Jul 11, 2012

I have used 14C28N in high humidity conditions when I was sweating a lot, and not had much issue with rust. Do you oil or do anything else to inhibit the rust? I have noticed it rust easier than some other stainless steels, but with just a little care I haven't had issues. I use carbon steels a lot so rust prevention is habitual though.

solidorange · Jul 11, 2012

kreole said:
It's not the steel so much as the bead blast finish.

quoted for truth. all of my bead blasted kershaws rust like crazy, regardless of steel type. i do keep mine oiled, but it doesn't seem to help. luckily, a little wd-40 and light rubbing with a penny will take the rust off, but it is still kind of annoying.

Dorito Monk · Jul 11, 2012

I haven't had any rust issues to date with 14c28 steel knives. I did have a 13c26 knife develop a couple of pin-head sized rust spots, but that's about it. It may be an issue of climate, because I've noticed that almost none of my knives have ever had an issue with rust (the exception being my Izula which has rusted a fair amount from being covered in sweat during the summer months).

SpyKers · Jul 11, 2012

It is most certainly the beadblasted finish. Why Kershaw used that on so many knives (probably cost) is beyond me. Their stonewashed finish 14c28n doesn't rust at all. Ok, I'm sure It can rust, but I've yet to develop any rust spots in a highly sweaty humid environment.

Oiling will help though. I simply don't carry my beadblasted Kershaws during the summer. Easier to carry s30v, vg10, 154cm, or a non-beadblasted 14c28n. I know that's not "good news" but it's realistic. If you carry the blade, bring a rag...

With that said, you should rename this thread to "Beadblasted Problem".

kreole · Jul 11, 2012

SpyKers said:
It is most certainly the beadblasted finish. Why Kershaw used that on so many knives (probably cost) is beyond me. Their stonewashed finish 14c28n doesn't rust at all. Ok, I'm sure It can rust, but I've yet to develop any rust spots in a highly sweaty humid environment.

Oiling will help though. I simply don't carry my beadblasted Kershaws during the summer. Easier to carry s30v, vg10, 154cm, or a non-beadblasted 14c28n. I know that's not "good news" but it's realistic. If you carry the blade, bring a rag...

With that said, you should rename this thread to "Beadblasted Problem".

As for the why of it, Thomas said in another thread bead blasting is the only finish they can do to keep their high rate of production: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...ould-stop-bead-blasting?p=8095221#post8095221

SpyKers · Jul 11, 2012

kreole said:
As for the why of it, Thomas said in another thread bead blasting is the only finish they can do to keep their high rate of production: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...ould-stop-bead-blasting?p=8095221#post8095221

Thanks for digging that up. I'd have never found that post by Thomas. While there are companies that mass produce blades without the use of beadblasting, it appears Kershaw set up their factory to be efficient using beadblasting. So... Just reconfigure ALL the factories!!! J/k. Really. J/k

SpyKers · Jul 11, 2012

Although, I do find it interesting that the last 3 USA made folders introduced were all Stonewashed (Piston, Echelon, and Knockout). Maybe it's the start of a trend

kneedeep · Jul 11, 2012

I've had good luck using eezox here in S.FL, even around saltwater.

RevDevil · Jul 11, 2012

You being the end user should apply your own coating. Try using some some RenWax.

CLICKBANGBANG · Jul 11, 2012

As a fan of the CKT finishes, I've never had an issue with rust. I'm not sure if the TiNi coating is much of a rust inhibiter. I'd have to ask around. The weather here is as dry as a popcorn fart on a hot summer night. The only way a knife gets wet here, is if you forget to take it out and jump in the creek with it.

I hope that the entire line doesn't go to unfinished blades. But if you look at the knives introduced in 2012, it looks like it might be.

SpyKers · Jul 11, 2012

CLICKBANGBANG said:
As a fan of the CKT finishes, I've never had an issue with rust. I'm not sure if the TiNi coating is much of a rust inhibiter. I'd have to ask around. The weather here is as dry as a popcorn fart on a hot summer night. The only way a knife gets wet here, is if you forget to take it out and jump in the creek with it.

I hope that the entire line doesn't go to unfinished blades. But if you look at the knives introduced in 2012, it looks like it might be.

My TiNi blades have no rusting issues. My leek has seen A LOT of time in my pocket. It has many "love" marks but no rust spots

europeanoutdoorsman · Jul 12, 2012

I guess I might have to change my oil...but it would be really cool if KAI offered the option with a lot of their blades to have the DLC coating.

knivesandguns · Jul 12, 2012

europeanoutdoorsman said:
I guess I might have to change my oil...but it would be really cool if KAI offered the option with a lot of their blades to have the DLC coating.

I'm stonewashing my skyline blade @ home. I'll take photos of the results - it's pretty easy and is turning out great so far, and you wont' have any corrosion issues after you stonewash it yourself.

ICCW · Jul 13, 2012

Duropeanoutdoorsman, would you mind telling me the average humidity where you are? Here in the desert, with an average humnidity between 7% and maybe 10%, rusting isn't a problem, but I'd like to know at what humidity the corrosion starts to become a concern. Thanks.

presz · Jul 13, 2012

I have "scotch-brited" we few of my bead blasted Kershaws. No more rust. It does change the look of the blade, I like the look though. I have always want to try home stonewashing.

SpyKers · Jul 13, 2012

presz said:
I have "scotch-brited" we few of my bead blasted Kershaws. No more rust. It does change the look of the blade, I like the look though. I have always want to try home stonewashing.

How would you describe the new look?

amflud · Jul 15, 2012

knivesandguns said:
I'm stonewashing my skyline blade @ home. I'll take photos of the results - it's pretty easy and is turning out great so far, and you wont' have any corrosion issues after you stonewash it yourself.

This is something I'm interested in trying. Could you tell us what you're using exactly?