Hamon Blades - Blade, Oil, & Case React Making Spots???

Caleb Royer

Caleb Royer

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May 7, 2013
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Hey guys, a while back I had a blade with a hamon sit in a case for about a month. I opened it up and wiped the oil off and there was a pattern on the blade where the blade, oil, and fibers of the case all came into contact so it appears to be some kind of reaction with the oil and case and of course the plain carbon hamon blade. I'm using Rem oil currently. I was ably to use simichrome to get rid of the spots/pattern but I don't want it happening again. How do I prevent this from happening again? Please help. Thanks!
 
I just wouldn't leave them in cases... even good veg tan leather can stain any blade, and something as delicately finished and colored as a hamon blade could be even more susceptible.

Sorry if that doesn't really help. Good job figuring out the spot removal, I was going to suggest Flitz there...
 
Could be something weird in the case lining material.

I use Bill's Cases and never have a problem. But Bill uses the best materials money can buy...
 
Bill's Cases...!
And....I always ship/store carbon or Damascus pieces wrapped in Gun Wrap paper.
 
What most likely happened is the cases fibers wicked the oil away from the places it contacted the most. This left the blade exposed to the air in those spots...leaving "spots" of patina....and if you hadn't noticed...rust would have followed. Waxes are less likely to be absorbed, and storing knives in drawers or on shelves is better than storing them in cases. If case storage is necessary, take out regularly and inspect, clean, and re-apply protectant. I use Renaissance Wax.
 
I don't mean to bring this thread back to page 1 but I had to thank you guys for your input! I'll will look into everything said and see what I can do. Thanks a million guys!
 
I had some cases that did the same thing. I now either wrap them in an acid free paper towel or use a silicon sock to put the blade in. Also I have gone to using ballistol on Kenny Rowes suggestion. It seems to kill the acids even the acids remaining in sheath leather.
 
I like using mineral oil and plastic wrap for long term storage. Mineral oil might not be the best to display with, as it stays shiny... but man, it stays were you put it, doesn't react with any other solvents, evaporate or smell and is food safe. I keep a soaked rag in a Ziploc bag for field use, too.
 
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