Carbon Steel Blade and Stainless Springs

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ranchmanben

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Jan 18, 2011
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Although it's not a big deal, the only place I ever end up with rust is on the inside of the handle on the springs. Are there any companies that use carbon steel blades with stainless springs? Would the carbon steel tang prematurely wear out the spring or vice versa?
Thanks in advance
Ben
 
What you are likely seeing is galvanic coupling between the carbon steel and the brass. The galvanic coupling drives corrosion in the less noble material, in this case the carbon steel.

Switching to stainless springs with a carbon steel blade would fix that. But it would also form a galvanic couple, driving corrosion in the blade. This is the last part of a knife you want to corrode.

If it were I, I'd stick to having a bit of corrosion in the springs.

As the saying goes, "Oil the joints!"
 
IIRC Case uses stainless steel springs and carbon steel blades on their CV knives.

- Christian
 
Yes, indeed. Case puts stainless springs on all their knives -- even CV.

-- Mark
 
Böker has stainless blades and carbon spring.

I'm also wondering about Queen Cutlery's D2 range. Are their backsprings D2 as well? Given that D2 is harder than conventional stainless I was just wondering.

Brass is responsible for a lot of corrosion issues, including brass bleed/verdigris green staining of scales.
 
I would like to take care of my carbon blade/carbon springs knives so as to avoid rust. Since I am constantly wiping or washing off the blades after use, especially in the kitchen, there doesn't seem to be much point in oiling them. But I'm careful about drying them, though, and keep a close eye on them for any signs of rust. If I store them for a while, of course, a wipe with an oily rag is in order.

But, in contrast, as to the carbon backsprings, I'm thinking that putting and leaving a thin film of oil there would be the thing to do. Am I thinking right?

Andrew
 
Thanks for the responses. I didn't realize Case made their carbon knives with stainless springs, the only Case knives I have are stainless. I assume galvanic coupling is some form of chemical reaction but I have no clue what that means. I guess I should Google it. As to the thin layer of oil on the springs, I try to do that but after a couple of days it looks like the inside of my knife is wearing a sweater. Again not a big deal. Thanks again for the responses, Case stock just went up in my book.
Ben
 
Thanks, knarfeng. That sounds like the plan, then.

Ben, I have better luck. The closed blade blocks most of the pocket lint on mine. Not sure why the difference, although I put just a very light film on my backsprings.


Andrew
 
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