ATS-34; Need some advice

B

buckman

Joined
Aug 29, 2000
Messages
45
I just got a knife with a ATS-34 blade and was wondering if this steel will stain or rust. If so, how do I care for it? The knife is a fixed blade. Thanks, Bob
 
Buckman,
ATS-34 will rust and stain. Its a pretty low maintenance steel so with just a little bit of care you shouldn't have any problems. Clean and oil the knife after you use it. I use Tough Cloth on all of my knives and I haven't had a problem with rust or discoloration yet. I live in San Diego Ca. so humidity isn't a big problem for me, but I do take my knives with me to the beach. After a day at the beach I rinse them with fresh water dry them completly and reapply Tough Cloth.

Shawn
 
Yes, ATS-34 can rust and stain due to its relative carbon to nickel ratio.

A periodic wipe of the blade with oil is usually good enough to keep it from oxidizing. Other suggestions from more knowledgeable people at this forum have suggested using TUFF CLOTH, and to make sure you don't store knives for long terms in their sheaths.

If you start seeing light oxidation, you may consider using a mild polish like Flitz, Novus, or Brasso to rub off any light rust specks.

NOTE: Damn it, to slow to hit the "Submit Now" button. MrCas beat me to the post!


[This message has been edited by Full Tang Clan (edited 09-22-2000).]
 
Buckman, all steel will rust. Even stainless steels. Stainless rust less easily though. ATS-34 is stainless, but will rust if you don't care for it at all. Just wipe it down with some oil every so often, especially during storage.

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Chang the Asian Janitorial Apparatus
 
Comrade Chang is right! My company makes air filter systems for combustion turbines. We've provided some for oil production platforms and I was amazed to hear customers comments about even 316L stainless rusting at sea.

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Jay
 
You will see a lot of variation in the corrosion resistance of ATS-34 due to variations in finish and heat treatment.

A really hard (61 RcH), triple tempered, cryo treated blade with a fine satin or mirror finish will hardly stain or rust at all except under really corrosive conditions like high acid foods, blood, and sea water.

A bead blasted blade with crude heat treatment will rust without half trying.
 
Ok, I have a question. This one is over on the BM post but I want to get some opinions from over here. I have always been a big proponent of using a hard paste wax on knife blades to help protect against corrosion. I have been doing this for several years with good results. I am talking primarily stain-resistant steels. I usually use Johnsons Paste Wax. It can be a bear sometimes to remove. I have seen some ads for Rennasaince Wax and understand that it is a good product ( for the price it should be ) I have also used Remington Rem-Dri. After spraying this on and allowing it to dry for several minutes I remove the waxy top coat. This also seems to work.

What I want to know is does anyone else do this? What have been your results?



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Art Sigmon
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"
Php. 4:13
 
Where is the best place to buy Tuf cloth? I found their website and the price is somewhere around nine dollars.

[This message has been edited by buckman (edited 09-22-2000).]
 
Buckman,
You will have to check around. Hit the dealers that sell on BF.com. Also check out WWW.1SKS.com they have good prices also. Some thing to consider when buying Tuff Cloth via internet is the shipping cost. You might be able to find it a store near you. Check out the gun stores and any knife shops where you live.

Shawn R Sullivan
 
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