Blade steel that smells when cutting apples?

[Blackie Scantling]

Try a grapefruit. I cut a grapefruit with my 1095 steel ESEE 4 yesterday and it caused a strong metal/fish-like smell. A patina started forming immediately.

 

[o4tg]

There's a reason most kitchen cutlery is stainless, and it's not just because blades get rusty. The first time I used a 5160 blade to cut steak even it about knocked me over.

 

[link2derek]

Apples shmapples - try spreading horseradish! Your blade will smell for several months....!

 

[HWF]

I know this is gonna sound weird, but I like that smell. There. I said it!

I really enjoy the patina process, smell included. It does fade away when you get a nice patina going though. Mine don't smell anymore. Guess it's time for a new blade.