Is it normal for buck knives not to rust...ever?

[generallobster]

I have a mentor which has not rusted despite taking it into the sea with me. I don't even have tuff cloth, so it was not protected. The carbon steel Swisstech mini plier tool in my pocket rusted to bright orange after an hour in the water. But I have also cut oranges, lemons and other acidic fruit without wiping the blade off and it has not rusted. Is this normal or do I have an extra serving of chrome in my blade?

[This message has been edited by generallobster (edited 16 July 1999).]

 

[Bob Irons]

I've purchase a couple of old Bucks and never found any rust. They seem to hold up pretty well. Good care sure wasn't the reason the ones I purchased weren't rusted - must have been the metal used.

 

[peteq]

Buck knives will rust if they are properly abused. Between the Chromium content of 420HC steel, and the extent to which we harden the blades, a Buck will withstand rust quite well. If a knife is exposed to salt water, simply flush thoroughly with fresh water, then oil the blade.

Most people who appreciate a good knife generally know better than to over expose a good blade to moisture, salts and acids, and won't use a dishwasher. The trick is to avoid harsh detergents, which believe it or not, most dishwashing soaps are high in Chlorine and will accelerate rust.

Also, never be afraid to use petrochemical cleaners, solvents or paint thinners. The materials we use are all highly chemical resistant.

Pete