Help cleaning up a "shadowy" blade!!!

[Parke1]

Hey all,

Ok, I'm an idiot. I cut some hot peppers a couple days ago with my Benchmade 910 Stryker (the old model with the ATS-34 blade). As soon as I was done cutting the peppers, I washed the blade and rubbed it down with a silicone impregnated cloth. I didn't really pay any attention to the knife for a day or two, but now the blade looks very "shadowy". It's like there's a dark hue to the steel now that was never there before. It's not rust, because the blade still feels very smooth, and it's not the brownish color. It just looks dim somehow.

Any tips on how I can get this blade all bright and shiny again?

Thanks!
-Parke1

 

[Mike Hull]

Try 409 on it, with a hot water rinse. If that doesn't do it, you might have to buff it.

 

[Disco Stu]

Probably the peppers just lightly etched it. Mike's right. Might have to buff it. Or, if it's got a satin finish, you might try rubbing it out with a Scotch-brite pad. Rub in one direction, with the current finish. Or leave it alone. It adds character.