Hairline Scratches

T

Thirteenth Star

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Apr 1, 2004
Messages
525
Hello,

Why do some knives have hairline scratches on the blade, even when they're brand new right out of the box? The handles don't seem to ever be scratched, just the blade. Is this something to do with assembly line forging of the steel?

Thanks...
 
Does everybody know what I'm refering to? Blades will sometimes have one or two fine scratches on each side, that are only visible if the lighting is just right. Out in sunlight the small scratches are difficult to spot, but indoors under artificial light they're a little easier to see, provided the angle is right.
 
No. I think you are the only one to get any scratches on their new knives. All my knives have come perfect. Sorry to hear about your unfortunate luck.
 
Hi,

Yes, I have experienced that on some new knives I bought- 2 to be more specific! I later found out that it was actually not scratches, but cracks in the steel (straight through). I assume these cracks where created when they mechanically punched out the blades. A good way to check if it's a crack- is to put the blade in salt water. If it's a crack, then it starts to corrode and the crack is clearly visible. At least that’s the way I found out when I used the knives during fishing trips.

Regards,

Wallgren
 
Every factory knife I've ever bought has scratches on the blade... radical scratches in fact. They're called grind marks. That's just the way it is, unless you spend major bux.

If you have the resources, you can take apart and rock-media tumble the blade... it will help alot, though will need re-sharpening (heh heh). I've tumbled probably 10 blades and was surprised to see results on hardened steel in 2 hours. AUS-8 submits readily while 154-CM is resistant.
 
Actually, these aren't grind marks. They run perpendicular to grind marks, and they're just a few in number. They're more difficult to see than grind marks, and sometimes cannot be seen at all if the light isn't hitting the knife just right.
 
When I was new to the hobby, I could just about die if any of my knives had a scratch or a nick on the blade, especially if it was new. After a while you just accept the fact that if you carry and use your knives, they're going to get scratched anyway. While most of us do inspect the knives we buy for overall fit and finish, we will always find cosmetic imperfections. Again, it's not big deal. It's how the knife performs that matters. That's when you really appreciate the quality in workmanship and get your money's worth.
 
Possibly a slight bit of foreing matter on buffing wheel(or in buffing compound) while knife was being made. I've seen it on some knives, but not on all of them. I have a tendency to scotchbrite satin finish my knives anyway after a bit of use, so it's not really a concern to me.
 
Cosmic Superchunk said:
When I was new to the hobby, I could just about die if any of my knives had a scratch or a nick on the blade, especially if it was new. After a while you just accept the fact that if you carry and use your knives, they're going to get scratched anyway.
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Isn't that the truth! When I scratched the blade on my CF Dragonfly (which I had paid a grand total of $14 for, after discount and a double rebate), I completely freaked and had to refinish the blade. That was four years ago. Now, I don't get concerned about scratching $500 customs.
 
etp777 said:
Possibly a slight bit of foreing matter on buffing wheel(or in buffing compound) while knife was being made. I've seen it on some knives, but not on all of them. I have a tendency to scotchbrite satin finish my knives anyway after a bit of use, so it's not really a concern to me.
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Aha! That sounds like a reasonable explanation. Thanks. :)
 
hey guys, so is it normal to have hairline scratches on the blade of the knife.. use it daily for food, paper and boxes nothing really too heavy.. im using a vg-10 delica.. i tried taking a picture but its not that easy taking pictures of scratches.. ill post a picture when i get lucky..

will the scratches come off?.. am i maybe doing something wrong with how i use it or is it something thats normal and expected with everyday use?..

Thanks for any response guys..
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p_leonard said:
hey guys, so is it normal to have hairline scratches on the blade of the knife.. use it daily for food, paper and boxes nothing really too heavy.. im using a vg-10 delica.. i tried taking a picture but its not that easy taking pictures of scratches.. ill post a picture when i get lucky..

will the scratches come off?.. am i maybe doing something wrong with how i use it or is it something thats normal and expected with everyday use?..

Thanks for any response guys..
biggrin.gif
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You are doing something wrong,

Worrying about scratches on your blade of knives you are using. There is literally no point in worrying about these scratches that are so small on the blade you can hardly see them except under specific light. When they produce and ship these knives they do not handle them with pillows on their hands. If the scratches are truly as small as you describe then they shouldn't really affect the value of the knife.

If you are using the knife, even for kitchen use, expect scratches, they are the sign of a knife being used. If you want to have a knife that doesn't have any scratches there is one thing you can do.

First pick up your knife. Inspect it to make sure there are no scratches. Some of them might be only visible through a magnifying glass so make sure! Next just open your drawer and carefully put your knife in. Now walk away and never pick up your knife again, don't worry it will look great. Just don't open the drawer and look at it, you could scratch it in the process.
 
I was gonna point out the mistake of bumping a 13 year old thread first, but yes I must agree with Lapedog, disregard scratches on a user.
 
3fifty7 said:
I was gonna point out the mistake of bumping a 13 year old thread first, but yes I must agree with Lapedog, disregard scratches on a user.
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You would discriminate against a thread due to its age!? You ageist!!
 
I'm sure, had he not necro'd, someone would have scolded him anyway "Dude do you even search, there's already a thread for hairline scratches."
 
I don't buy that for sheath scratches. Sheath scratches should be very mild or non-existent. Same for sheath rub marks on painted finishes. If visible they are just a sign of inferior attention to the sheath/knife interaction, like having a vertically striated brushed or polished finish in heavy contact with a sheath surface, including leather: Sheath marks then become really obvious, being perpendicular to the vertical striations. One of the reasons I like saber hollow grinds is they offer a bearing surface that keeps sheath marks well away from the edge, and, on top of that, that surface can be striated longitudinally to help hide sheath marks: These knives never show sheath marks. G.
 
Yep, scratches happen. Also Gaston has made it clear that knives are not to be used, and should never be marked. Do your own thing. But yes, it is generally considered that its worth posting your own thread in a case like this, bringing up old threads actually makes it harder for you to get the info you were looking for, as often people start responding to the earlier posts because they don't realize it.
 
Jeez, I remember reading this thread 13 years ago when I first joined. I can't remember why I just walked in to the kitchen, but I remember this thread.
 
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