Issue with Finish on Leatherman Raptor Shears

[Nephron44]

Hey everyone!

I'm not sure where to post this, so I am sorry if this is the wrong spot!

I have a pair of Leatherman Raptor shears, and tonight I noticed a small bit of rust in the areas that the two blades rub together. I forgot to take a picture of the rust before I started to remove it!

Anyway, I used a metal bristle brush (copper or brass), which I usually use to clean my firearms (I used a new clean brush). I LIGHTLY brushed the rusted area, and was going to apply some oil to prevent further rust. However, after brushing, I noticed that the metal is actually a light gold-ish color after the silver finish is removed! I thought maybe it was from the color of the brush, but the more I tried to use other methods of wiping it off, the more gold color I revealed!

This does not instill a lot of confidence that the Raptor Shears are in fact solid stainless steel! Is this normal? Has anyone had a similar experience?

I honestly can't believe they rusted in the first place; this particular pair sat in a backpack (dry) and never saw action!

I tried my best to take photos of the color.

I appreciate any thoughts!

Thanks!

Edit:
I'm not so much worried about the rust; I am just very surprised at the color of the metal under the silver finish.

 

[A.L.]

Well, I am no expert but even stainless steel can rust, especially in closed spaces. Maybe some moisture condensated there? I’m saying it’s kind of the same as putting wet knife to leather sheath - it is sure to rust.

 

[BladeScout]

I have the Raptor, which have held up fine.

I would assume, that its residue from the implement used to clean the scissors, as was your first impression.

If not (depending on the aforementioned 'other methods used') , I can only add, that 'stainless' steel isnt really stainless.

 

[Hickory n steel]

If there's one thing you can learn from watching cutlery corner on tv it's this:
It's stain-less not stain free.