Corrosion in well of the lock

J

James Y

Joined
Feb 18, 1999
Messages
6,504
I've noticed after carrying Spyderco lockbacks (with VG-10 steel, in particular), the notch for the lock on the blade tang develops some surface rust. I'm sure this happens because those inner surfaces have a rough, unfinished surface, which makes them more vulnerable to moisture such as in a sweaty pocket, etc. Not serious really, it becomes discolored and brown. It hasn't happened to my SS Police models, but has happened with almost all of my FRN lockbacks with VG-10 blades after some use, esp. since I no longer carry clipped, but simply drop the knife down in the pocket. (My Police models are too heavy to carry without clipping).

It doesn't seem to affect the function of the lock, but I'm wondering if this is something anyone else has noticed as well. Is it just a normal thing, and one that will not eventually affect the locking function?
Jim
 
Yeah I've seen it on a few of my knives, like my Delica 4, Lava and a tiny bit on my Manix. It doesn't seem to affect performance and it never goes beyond a certain point in the rust stage.

I believe you're right in believing that the rust is caused by the rough areas of the lock indent. Moisture becomes trapped in the grooves and fosters rust. And there is no way to fix it because modifying that lock indent could cause major lockup issues.

But there seem to be no negative affects other than ugly rust, so our knives should be okay. :)
 
I just got back from a week in Myrtle Beach SC. I wore my Centofante 3 in the water cliped on the inside of my wasteband just to see how VG-10 would hold up in salt water and sand.

I was surprised how well ut held up. When I got home and sharpened, cleaned and tried working the sand from the joint I noticed the same thing. The onlt rust/discoloration is in the lock well.

Otherwise I'm very happy with its corrosion resistance. :thumbup: VG-10
 
Thanks, guys.
I love VG-10 as well; it's a great steel. I realize that minor bit of rust in the notch is just a part of life with a non-H1 lockback. It's never been a problem, really.

I received a new brown VG-10 FFG Delica the other day, along with a new Atlantic Salt. Good times! :)
Jim
 
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