Howling Rat Finish?

MW740

MW740

Joined
Aug 21, 2002
Messages
732
I just recieved a used Howling Rat in the mail from a trade and I have a question about the blade finish. I have never seen a Rat in person before today, but in all of the pictures that I have seen online, the blade finish looks nice and even and "thick". The HR that I have in front of me looks like the blade has had a bad cold blueing job done on it. It is very spotty and uneven. Is this just what the blade finish looks like after hard use, or did someone remove the original finish and apply there own crappy job?
 
Don't know hwo useful this info will be, but...

I just traded for my first Rat, which is a Howling Rat as well. The original owner took great care of it, but it was a user. The finish on mine is very even looking and has held up well. In fact, it looks NIB, even though it is not.

Sorry to hear about your experience, but I am sure one of the more knowledgaeable members will be able to help more.
 
This HR has definately had the original finish stripped and a crappy cold bluing job applied. The blade has that very distinct blued smell. How well will the HR steel hold up to moisture and general outdoor use without the factory coating? I am giong to remove the bluing and leave it bare if the steel will hold up.
 
AFAIK, SR101 is similar to 52100 high carbon. It isn't stainless and will rust if left wet, but just clean and wipe down the blad after use and it should hold up just fine.
 
I have taken the coating off of my HR.I have used it mostly for kitchen work..ie cutting veggies and meat....and it has held up fine with a rinse and wiping dry.The blade has gotten a darker patina that carbon steel tends to get from use,but I like the look of the blade.Minimal care and resharpening of the edge is all I do to maintain mine.
 
Strip it completely and give it a good beadblast! It will look schmick then!

I think Skunk did that to his and it looks great!
 
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