16.5 CAK has arrived!

[enzymez]

I've just received the CAK 16.5"from HI, it was a pretty amazing experience. I'll post some pictures later, however, I do have a quick question for you all, the blade has 3-5 rust spots already when I pulled it out of the sheath for the first time, is this normal or am I just getting a blade that wasn't preserved well? the handle has a slight crack and was fixed already on arrival, I did ask for a longer handle so maybe I'll have to compromise. anyways, I wasn't sure if this is normal so I thought I'd ask, it'll sand right off probably so wouldn't be a big deal but still feels kind of like a bummer. Will post pictures when I get the chance!

Thanks all

-Enzy

P.S. I got this CAK on the website, not DOTD, just to clarify.
oh and the Kami's symbol is a 5 point star. if anyone care to comment!

 

[Karda]

It is a carbon steel blade, so it will show rust. Sometimes they do develop it in transit.
But no, it's not normal for auntie to ship them out like that. Contact her to let her know.

She is probably getting a little ahead of herself right now, as she is busily trying to take care of orders, packing, shipping....etc... and trying to get her ducks in a row for leaving for Nepal next month to take care of shop and kamis.

 

[arbiter]

Enzy-Congrats.The rust spots are normal considering how far these knives travel,and likely were just as a result of inspection handling prior to shipment.A little metal-glo or Flitz polish will remove most rust spots nicely without affecting the overall shine on the blade.If that doesn't work,try 000 steel wool and a little oil.I would not use sandpaper.Keep in mind that these blades are made in less than ideal conditions and travel far.Clean the rust up properly and you will have a blade to serve a lifetime. 5 point star sounds like it was made by kami Hari.He made one of my M-43's which is a masterpiece.

 

[Cpl Punishment]

To speak on Yangdu's behalf, she has sent me blades before that had rust spots, but she ALWAYS told me such and asked if I still wanted it before shipping, so I';d say it happened in transit.

The cracking handles happens because the kukri travel from a humid environment, to a very dry one (Reno), to wherever you live, so they go through multiple wet/dry cycles, and possibly extremes in temperature over their trip from Nepal to here. While I don't think anyone likes it, it is something that happens with horn, and to a lesser extent, wood handles.

If this is to be a user, most people would just rub the blade down with Scotch-Brite to remove any rust and put a satin finish on it, and them let it soak in vinegar, citrus juice, or any other number of acidic agents for varying periods of time, to put a forced patina on it, which will inhibit further rust. There's lots of posts on forcing a patina floating around here, and many ways to do it.