O1 Tool Steel Question,...

F

Forgedfixedblade

Joined
Jul 10, 2014
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Just scored a killer deal on a BHK Bushcrafter in O1 tool steel, is it possible to polish this steel to a high shine as a means of preserving the blade from rust? If not got some good ole non stick pan spray on hand to keep her looking like new when not getting used.;):thumbup:
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The brushed finish will hold oils better than a polished one. I use cold blue, some guys use a forced patina to help keep rust at bay. Unless you have the proper tools and skills you will most likely ruin the knife. I use a 50/50 bee's wax, mineral oil mix as a food safe lube.
 
I have several different knives that I have polished to a chrome like finish, just haven't tried it on O1 though. I'll probably just keep it coated just to be sure, I like the satin looking finish.

smith357 said:
The brushed finish will hold oils better than a polished one. I use cold blue, some guys use a forced patina to help keep rust at bay. Unless you have the proper tools and skills you will most likely ruin the knife. I use a 50/50 bee's wax, mineral oil mix as a food safe lube.
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But to directly address your question, yes, you can polish it and it will make it less likely to tarnish as severely and quickly as standard. That being said, I haven't noticed much on my 01 blades other than patina, though they are mostly edc and food prep sodbusters.

The smoother polished surface would have less microscopic indentations and places for water to hide and start to rust, pit, and patina. I have a Becker bk2 that has a near mirror polish and that requires a Lot less maintenance than my stripped bk15, bk14, and multiple others.

Do not use cold/gun blue if you plan on using the knife for any food prep.
 
Keep in mind, that spray may stain the sheath...
 
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