Black Spot on Blade

C

CM9

Joined
Apr 15, 2020
Messages
6
I recently bought a new knife (a Bowie) and noticed a black spot on the spine of the blade right where the clip begins. I'm pretty sure it's not rust/oxidization, since it's shiny like the rest of the blade and completely smooth, but I have no idea what it is. Does anyone have any idea what it is? My main concern is whether it's a sign that there's something wrong with the steel or if it's not a big deal.

Picture of black spot: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OnNe1WGGbHw9NOxx_6vuKDzojCi6SLmb/view?usp=sharing

Picture of the side of the knife, to show that the black spot is only on the spine: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ohgi7KJ2qiCfwdE0E4GP_EvGeoiabI2Z/view?usp=sharing
 
To me it looks like the steel was overheated when they ground down that geometry at the factory. That radiating amber color is a giveaway for such.
 
I have done that my self when grinding a blade post heat treat.

It would come off if you polished that section with buffing compound, like aluminum oxide on a strop.

The steel will be less hard in that exact spot. Not necessarily a bad thing on the spine.

It is much easier to overheat the edge, and especially the tip, where it really matters a lot more.

What brand?
 
Overheated spot. Not a big deal on the spine. Can probably be polished off and while at it why not round those sharp edges on the swedge ?
 
Thank you all for the answers. Looking at other pictures of burn marks, it does appear to be burn marks.
For those asking, the brand is Bear and Son Cutlery and it's their Cocobola Gold Rush Bowie
 
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