Accidentally went to the beach with my CS Code4...need help with rust issue

R

Rancho5

Joined
Feb 10, 2015
Messages
214
It was kind of a last-minute trip to Mexico and I totally forgot to bring my Salt 2 and took my Code4 instead. Just having it in my pocket on the beach, as we flew kites, has caused little flecks of rust to appear. Any suggestions on how to remove it? I tried a very mild green scrubby, like really mild, (dollar store kind) and that took some of the stuff off, but the rust went right for the Code4 label on both sides of the blade. I’m home now and I washed it thoroughly with cold water. Am I screwed?
 
I would use emery cloth/fine sand paper and oil it really well. I have used stropping compound to remove rust if it is really light before too.
 
If it is in the etch, you may have a problem removing the rust without affecting the etch.

If you don't care about the etch, use some 600 grit sandpaper and and WD-40.
If you want to try to preserve the etch, try WD-40 and a Scotch-Brite pad. No guarantees on effectiveness.

I do not recommend using regular steel wool on stainless steel articles. It can open the door to further corrosion by contaminating the oxide layer that protects the stainless steel.
If you can get stainless steel wool (less common, but it is made) then that would be OK.
 
Bar Keepers Friend powder, mixed to a paste with water, is very good at dissolving light rust. Just use a Q-tip to apply the paste to the affected spots; let it sit for maybe 30 seconds or so. Then rinse it off with running water. Don't leave it on the steel for longer than 60 seconds. Leaving it on too long might etch the steel, even stainless steel.

No scrubbing needed with this method. Try it in an inconspicuous spot first, to get a feel for how it'll work. The oxalic acid in BKF is what does the magic. It dissolves oxides of iron, which is why it works so well in this application.
 
Obsessed with Edges said:
Bar Keepers Friend powder, mixed to a paste with water, is very good at dissolving light rust. Just use a Q-tip to apply the paste to the affected spots; let it sit for maybe 30 seconds or so. Then rinse it off with running water. Don't leave it on the steel for longer than 60 seconds. Leaving it on too long might etch the steel, even stainless steel.

No scrubbing needed with this method. Try it in an inconspicuous spot first, to get a feel for how it'll work. The oxalic acid in BKF is what does the magic. It dissolves oxides of iron, which is why it works so well in this application.
Click to expand...
Just tried this last week on some D2 that had some spotting...worked great! I used the liquid, gentle rubbing with a fingertip for a few seconds then rinsed:)
 
Steel wool won't imbed itself in stainless steel.
You just have to make sure it's all wiped/blown from the surface.
 
A little compound on the buffer and she looks good again! The etching is shot though. Crap
 
Is your Code4 in aus-8 steel?
I have one in aus-8 and it will get rust and pepper spots if I get it sweaty or wet.

If it is XHP or s35vn I am pretty sure they are a bit more rust resistant.

Glad to see you resolved the problem and even at the least a bit of paste wax on the blade helps keep rust away.
 
Aus 8. Looking for a Recon 1, green or tan, spear point in xhp. Just picked up an ultimate Hunter in it tho. Hopefully I’ll remember the Salt 2 next time I go to the beach.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top