Damascus in acid

[TomD]

A friend has a custom folder with a damascus blade that he used to cut a lime. He tells me that, though he immediately rinsed the blade, it has discolored. He has tried oil.

I know nothing about the care and feeding of damascus steel. We both got our knives from the same maker last year. Attached is a picture of my undamaged but otherwise identical blade. I've used this knife as my daily carry so it's not exactly pristine but I don't remember using it to slice citrus fruit.

Anyone know what is going on?

 

[MORIMOTOM]

i would guess it is the citric acid. perhaps the stain is only on the surface, maybe a little high grit compound or very fine grit sandpaper will restore the blade.

 

[Cougar Allen]

 

[Padawan]

If the damascus utilises carbon steel in its composition, it's quite possible that the discolouration is simply a sort of patina that was brought about by cutting the lime. Try cutting a citrus fruit with something like an Old Hickory kitchen knife (carbon steel blade), and you'll notice the same thing happen almost immediately, even if you quickly rinse the blade afterwards.

 

[mete]

Anything with acid can attack the steel [unless stainless steel] after all that's how they etch it in the first place !!! If you want it like you bought it don't cut things like fruit !!! Returning to original would mean sanding then treating with acid. You might contact the maker.

 

[MSCantrell]

If I was in his shoes, I'd just continue to use it (cutting MORE limes (and putting them in guacamole or Coronas)) until it had a nice, deep, even, intentional-looking patina over the whole surface of the blade :thumbup:

Mike