Becker vs saltwater?

fruitbat

fruitbat

Joined
Dec 17, 2003
Messages
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I just recently got a Becker BK14. I'm planning a fishing trip later this year. I'm wondering if rust will be a problem if I take any of my Beckers. If it matters, I did strip the black coating off.

Thanks in advance!!
 
I haven't taken any of my Beckers near saltwater, but I can't imagine that it won't rust. Everything rusts near saltwater. Maybe if you are out for only a day or a morning, it would be ok. I certainly would oil it before and clean it quickly and well after.

Hopefully someone with real experience will chime in.
 
DunkEm said:
I haven't taken any of my Beckers near saltwater, but I can't imagine that it won't rust. Everything rusts near saltwater. Maybe if you are out for only a day or a morning, it would be ok. I certainly would oil it before and clean it quickly and well after.

Hopefully someone with real experience will chime in.
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This, with all carbon blades be sure to OIL and DRY anytime near water of any sorts especially with salt water.
You can leave a high carbon blade in salt water as little as 15 minutes and I have seen rust form.
Be vigilant to oil and dry, you can always sand the rust off however/apply a patina.
 
When I worked in the gulf down around LA I carried two fixed blades for years 1095 steel the work knife became practical rust free after I discovered Eezox, for the one I occasionally used in food prep I just dropped a little olive oil on it each night, never rusted more than just tiny spots that could easily be buffed out with green scouring pads,
After I found Spyderco's H1 steel never had one rust on me even weeks left on the boat while I was off.

So if you take your beckers you'll be fine as long as you keep them well oiled
But if salt water is going to be something your around a lot I would go for something in H1
 
truth-seeker said:
But if salt water is going to be something your around a lot I would go for something in H1
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It's only for a few days. And at the very least I should be able to rinse them in fresh water and dry them every night. I have an H1 that I normally take with me, but it's always fun to break in a new toy!!
 
fruitbat said:
It's only for a few days. And at the very least I should be able to rinse them in fresh water and dry them every night. I have an H1 that I normally take with me, but it's always fun to break in a new toy!!
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Oh just days you'll be fine as other have said oil and keep dry as you can, and rinse with fresh water after salt water gets on it.
But you are right its so much fun trying out new blades, Me I always take a trusted and true friend just in case my new one falls below expectations,,, But I don't believe you'll have to worry about that, It takes a lot to beat a becker.:thumbup::)
 
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truth-seeker said:
Oh just days you'll be fine as other have said oil and keep dry as you can, and rinse with fresh water after salt water gets on it.
But you are right its so much fun trying out new blades, Me I always take a trusted and true friend just in case my new one falls below expectations,,, But I don't believe you'll have to worry about that, It takes a lot to beat a becker.:thumbup::)
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I have found videos showing it takes a brick to run into a becker at full force 8-12 minutes to break it lol.
 
I took my stripped BK11 to ocean city MD for a week, and the saturation in the air alone seemed to start rusting the handle.
 
Ya, it's gonna rust. Just be prepared to deal with it or leave it at home and take something in a very low carbon stainless steel.
 
I live with a saltwater the tidal estuary in my backyard. ...if I neglect my knives after use, I always find rust on them. A patina will not protect 1095 either. The more polished your blade is, the slower rust forms - less surface area for it to start on - even getting up to a satin finish with 600 grit helps a lot. I would also use mineral oil as a food safe protectant; it won't get rancid and has little to no odor compared to vegetable oils. You'll be fine, though ...let's see some pitchers when you get back, hmmm?
 
I live approx 200 yards from salt water and have not had an issue. I have both coated and stripped blades and I clean and dry them after use. I do not oil them every day however I have not had any issues with rust. My bk2 is my shed knife that is used daily for general cutting tasks and fire prep and as it used the most and exposed more to the environment I would expect it to be the first to rust but nada. My bark river bravo in a2 is a complete different story.... It is probably rusting now just because I am talking about rust!

Feel free to carry your 14 around saltwater... If it comes in contact with the water dry completely and you can oil it if it makes you feel better... When I oil mine i use mineral oil... Get the unscented kind so it is safe to use on food
 
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