Damascus Rust

MrStabby7

MrStabby7

Joined
Aug 11, 2021
Messages
1,426
Hey guys, I noticed my damascus Sebenza had some spots of rust on it. I've rinsed it off in the sink once or twice and dried it right afterwards. Isn't this suppose to be stainless steel? Is there anyway to get rid of this? Its on both sides of the knife. 20230712_150223.jpg
 
Bummer, it’s ruined. Send it to me and I’ll dispose of it. 🤪 Seriously though, sorry that is a bummer. CN Damascus is Stain-less but not stain-immune.

Unlike a non-Damascus blade I am not sure you can just polish it off without impacting the etch. CRK talks about using soft scrub and a q-tip. I’d be a little concerned about leaving the etch un-even. I’d probably start with a soft cloth and some oil to see if it rubs off.

Alternatively, you could wipe it with a dilute acid. Once upon a time I would have known what to use but I’d have to do some research to refresh the memory. The red oxide (rust) will be more aggressively cleaned off than the black oxide etch. If you look into it I bet you can find an acid that will clean the rust without impacting the etch. Citric, muriatic, ferric, oxalic. Likely one or more those will work.

Many Damascus is etched with ferric chloride/ white vinigar mix, like 50/50. I think some are etched with muriatic. A dilute mixture would likely remove the rust and not impact the underlying black oxide etc.

Maybe you can contact CN for advice?
 
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Not really sure what I'll do. I put some gun oil on it for now. The picture makes it look a lot worse than it is. you can only see it in the right light and have to be looking for it. I don't mind the knife getting some wear and tear on it with time but I've only had this thing a few weeks. It's pretty disappointing.
 
Yeah, I have a William Henry Damascus knife (Chad Nichols SS Dam) that somehow got a couple of pepper spots and I was wondering how to deal with it. I thought taking a needle and carefully dipping the tip in diluted acid and trying to scrape the black spots off. I'll see what others suggest. Mine are not as noticeable as OP's, though.
 
MrStabby7 said:
Not really sure what I'll do. I put some gun oil on it for now. The picture makes it look a lot worse than it is. you can only see it in the right light and have to be looking for it. I don't mind the knife getting some wear and tear on it with time but I've only had this thing a few weeks. It's pretty disappointing.
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I live in the southwest so rust isn't usually a concern for me, that said I have had my pistol sights develop some small rust spots before (I carry AIWB). I have just used CLP on a Q-tip and it has come off very easily, I usually just hit them once a month as a preventative measure - obviously not food safe, so for a knife you may cut your apple with something to keep in mind.
 
White vinegar will take rust off stainless and it’s in most kitchens. I’d test it on an area of the blade that is not visible. As long as it doesn’t affect the etch ( my guess is it won’t) I’d try to clean the spots with it.
 
Yeah I used it the other day to cut up a green pepper and open a pack of hot dogs. I rinsed and dried it but idk maybe it was enough to cause some pepper spots.

I will say I live in a very humid area. I'm between the Mississippi river and thousands of aceres of flooded rice fields. Not sure if this will be a great knife to keep long term.
 
I'd entertain an offer. That being said I also believe in being honest. I paid $575 for the knife just a few weeks ago. I'm sure you can find the old posting.
 
Did you try the soft scrub and Q Tip? That's the recommendation on the CRK website. Once you remove the spots, I'd recommend using EDCi on the blade periodically. That stuff has kept K390 and M4 from rusting in my pockets, even in the summer.
 
No, I may work on that tomorrow. I'm a little disappointed in the steel. When I got it from you it was spotless. I mean if it already has spots on it after two weeks what will it look like in a year.
 
MrStabby7 said:
Chad
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I’ve got a D.T. 21 that‘s been used without reservation. Other than fading, I’ve never had any rust issues. I’ve got two C.N. Boomerang CRK’s, one been used.
Now, I’m concerned with the C.N. Damascus, I sure hope this isn’t common.
Maybe, it‘s a bad batch, I’ve read another thread that rust formed on a CRK.
 
Ajack60 said:
I’ve got a D.T. 21 that‘s been used without reservation. Other than fading, I’ve never had any rust issues. I’ve got two C.N. Boomerang CRK’s, one been used.
Now, I’m concerned with the C.N. Damascus, I sure hope this isn’t common.
Maybe, it‘s a bad batch, I’ve read another thread that rust formed on a CRK.
Click to expand...
Its seen hardly any moisture. I don't see how this is considered stainless.
 
I’ve seen stainless steel sinks with rust spots, so yeah, it’s possible.
Go see if C.N. has a video or lists which steel is used with his Damascus. I have not looked at any specs with his steel.
 
I do know that CRK offers a one time re-etching of a Damascus blade, maybe that could solve the issue?

chrisreeve.com

How to Care for Damascus Blades

Learn how to keep Damascus clean and free of moisture, spot clean rust, protect the pattern, and maintain the razor sharp edge.
chrisreeve.com chrisreeve.com
 
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