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A quick 0-1 question...

Daniel Moore

Daniel Moore

Joined
Jul 28, 2003
Messages
2,790
Since I carry an 0-1 fixed blade into the woods, which I regularly wash and oil with mineral oil, I was wondering about rust. Real rust, not light oxidation as in a patina, but the nasty stuff. Let's say I'm out hiking, or in any situation where I am stuck outside for a while with no knife maintenance supplies and it starts to rain hard (obviously I probably would have checked a forecast, but bear with me). So let's say that both myself and my knife are both soaked completely, and I won't be able to take care of the knife for a few hours. In your experience with 0-1 as makers and users, how long can 0-1 withstand extremely wet conditions with ample oxygen abound before it really starts to get red/orange rust and pitting- basically anything harmful that can't be undone with a polishing compound or accepted as a patina?
 
i have some scrap pieces of 01 that are 1/8 inch thick, ill drop them in a bucket of water tonight and let u know what it looks like tomorow morning, afternoon and then evening. oh and ill make sure they dont have any oil on them as to inhibit rust.
 
A few hours will only bring on a bit of surface rust. Even a day or two would not be too bad. Keep in mind that things like pine trees have natural oils in them that might help a bit.

I have an 01 blade blank that has been sitting outside for several months, perhaps six or eight, and while it looks rusty as all get out and would probably be a bit pitted if I cleaned it up, that will largely only affect the knife's appearance. It won't stop it from being a useful tool once you clean it up again.
 
As you said it is oxygen and water that leads to rust.Actually,sticking a blade in a bucket of water will protect it from rusting,compared to laying it out in the moist air.That is not a good option for a finished knife,though.
Wipe the blade off every couple of hours.Even if it won't make it dry,at least it will remove the fine rust starting.If you hike or backpack regularly carry a couple of 1 gallon (or larger) zip-lok bags. If it starts to rain,dump all your items that need to be protected in them.I also have a rag soaked in Renaissance wax that I keep in a small zip-lok. It will do a lot to protect a blade or gun from water.Smear it on and don't wipe it off until you can clean the knife/gun completely.
Stacy
 
I've been carying and using carbon steel (non-stainless) knives for near 40 years and never had any rust, turn dark yes but never rust, 15 years around saltwater also. I just wipe them off if they get wet.
 
You may also be able to clean off any starting rust spots by using your belt. Rub your belt in the dirt/sand and then use that to clean your blade.
Ken
 
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