3V Patina or rust?

lobo9er

lobo9er

Joined
Jan 5, 2013
Messages
739
I have couple knives in 3v so far pretty maintenance free hows everyone else's experience?
 
CPM3V is a great steel but it's no match for tropical climate. 3V requires much less care than A2, 1095 or 1075. A2, 1095 and 1075 will rust/patina in 1-2 hours after use.

zFACBag.jpg

xoZUlg8.jpg

xy4zwF6.jpg
 
I'd say tropical climates are pretty extreme compared to what most in the states will experience.
That being said that doesn't look that bad, especially only being under the scales. Looks to me like the knife was put away with wet scales?
 
Squarebox86, those first gen GSOs did that under the handles if left unattended. The newer gen 3V with the improved heat treat and peened finish seem to fare better.

Point being that even in 3V digger entry heat treat and surface finish protocols make a difference.
 
rcb2000 said:
I'd say tropical climates are pretty extreme compared to what most in the states will experience.
That being said that doesn't look that bad, especially only being under the scales. Looks to me like the knife was put away with wet scales?
Click to expand...

Mostly surface rust and very mild pitting. I always strip it down and gave it a generous coat of oil before storage. With 80-100% humidity all year round, it is extremely unforgiving if you ever forget to maintain your knives. Even 18/8 stainless can rust if not cared for.

TRfromMT said:
Squarebox86, those first gen GSOs did that under the handles if left unattended. The newer gen 3V with the improved heat treat and peened finish seem to fare better.

Point being that even in 3V digger entry heat treat and surface finish protocols make a difference.
Click to expand...

Not faulting GSO in any way, I love them and have several GSOs(and a whole bunch more pre-orders). It's because of the humidity here that makes it require more maintenance/care.
 
I have had very little trouble. It has become one of my favorite steels very quickly, especially with fixed blades and machetes. I had a piece of annealed stock out in a leaky barn for 8 months now, in the pacific NW. I just made some knives out of it. I thought it was going to be a rusty mess, but it only had a very light dusting, light specks of rust and pitting.
 
I've read 3V develops pitting (rust?) My 3V bush knives ( Kosters ,BR) have had no problems so far. I lube them up anyhow like I do most of my knives.
 
alright glad to see someone has gotten a little rust actually. I had some blood left on a blade and it got a little speckling no big deal it stropped off easy. anyone ever force patina with vinegar with any results?
 
Last edited:
lobo9er said:
alright glad to see a little rust actually I had some blood left on a blade and got a little speckling no big deal strop off easy anyone ever for patina with vinegar with any results?
Click to expand...

I have done it on two different knives, it just gives it a slightly darker gray color. I think it is worthwhile as a passivation method.
 
3V is easily my go to steel for fixed blades. Tough, holds an edge long enough and fairly forgiving to sharpen.
I've tried Bark Rivers, Bradford, Koster and CPK's ( Carothers Performace Knives) and never had an issue with rust. I did get a slight slight patina from leaving some blood on my Carothers Field Knife during hunting season as stated above but it almost rubbed off instantly.
I don't put them away soaked but I don't oil or baby them either. Just a quick wipe off and into the sheath they go. :thumbup:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top