Corrosion on Satin Finish

Thirteenth Star · Oct 24, 2004

The satin finish on some of my knives, when subjected to perspiration, develops little brown spots. Are those spots a result of the satin finish, or the steel underneath? Furthermore, should I be concerned about this beyond the way it merely looks?

GarageBoy · Oct 24, 2004

Satin finish is simply sandpapered steel. Just remove it with some metal polish

Thirteenth Star · Oct 25, 2004

Are you certain?

underaged! · Oct 25, 2004

Sure...

SATIN FINISH- creates a low-luster sheen to the blade steel surface. Several common forms of satin finish include:

STONEWASH- the blade surface is refined using abrasive tumbling media or "stones" that leave a pronounced random "scratch pattern" on the blade. This finish tends to mask any scratches that may occur with use. Examples- Model 805, 813
SCOTCHBRITE- this finish softly blends the grinding lines on the blade leaving a pleasant "grained" or "brushed" look. Typically the graining pattern goes from spine to edge. Examples- Model 190, 4530
TUMBLED or VIBED- similar to a stonewash finish; this finish leaves the blades bright and smooth with a faint random scratch pattern. Examples- Griptilians, Bali-Songs
BURNISHED- usually applied using non-abrasive media, whether by hand or in vibratory equipment. This finish refines the blade surface without much of a discernable graining or scratch pattern. Examples- Model 770, 941
HAND RUBBED- a finish typically done only by custom knife makers, it is similar to a scotchbrite finish with the main exception being that the graining goes from tang to tip.

From Benchmade.com

george tichbourne · Oct 25, 2004

Anything other than mirror finish creates protected pockets for moisture to sit and begin to corrode metal, in the trade called "corrosion sites". Unless you have a corrosion proof material like Stellite 6K or talonite, knife blades are subject to corrosion.

Keep it oiled.

Thirteenth Star · Oct 25, 2004

Thanks. I had no idea that a satin finish was more succeptable to corrosion than a polished finish.

GarageBoy · Oct 25, 2004

Beadblast gives you huge rust spots

fulloflead · Oct 25, 2004

The only exception I can think of would be Emerson's satin which is actually a chrome coat over steel and is REALLY hard. If it DID flake off I'd say the knife was defective.

will22 · Oct 25, 2004

I'm not too thrilled with any of my bead blasted finish knives. I don't even particularly like the looks of it. Even when oiling my blades here and there they always seem to develop those spots. Of all the finishes available bead blasted is the worst IMHO.