Oy Vey! blade stain

E

el cadiz

Joined
May 17, 2007
Messages
55
So I'm showing off my Ed Fowler last night, slickly siicing lemons for lemon twists for my infamous martinis and limes for Tom Collins. Well, must not have wiped off the blade after too many martinis (?/?) because this a.m my blade is stained and looks like I feel!

Nothing under the kitchen sink will remove the stains. What would you recommend fellas to a newbie (with blades) not martinis? Cadiz
 
If it's not pitted, try tooth paste. Rub it with your thumb.

Disclaimer! Do this while sober. If you slice your thumb, it's not my fault. :D


52100 is carbon steel. It will stain with use. You have to expect that.
If you want the blade to look new, don't use it.
 
My advice: Smear some more lemon juice all over the blade to even out the discoloration.

Staining of carbon-steel blades is normal, and is not a sign of abuse, just use. Nothing wrong with that.
 
el cadiz said:
So I'm showing off my Ed Fowler last night, slickly siicing lemons for lemon twists for my infamous martinis and limes for Tom Collins. Well, must not have wiped off the blade after too many martinis (?/?) because this a.m my blade is stained and looks like I feel!

Nothing under the kitchen sink will remove the stains. What would you recommend fellas to a newbie (with blades) not martinis? Cadiz
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Depending on how deep the patina has gone, Flitz or Simichrome might work.

Otherwise, you could go for a uniform patina by placing the blade in regular white vinegar for an hour or so.
The entire blade will turn gray.

Then remove the knife & let it air dry carefully. Don't wipe it with anything.
 
Not much to add here that has not already been covered. Simichrome would be where I would start as it is slightly more abrasive, there is a product at most Auto Parts stores called Mothers Mag polish. This is very fine and would not be as abrasive as the Simichrome but if it is all you have available then i would try that.

Bottom line has already been stated, 52100 is Carbon steel.

Alas, the etch that Ed does on his blades will disappear with use/cleaning. I learned this like you, the hard way. But the good news is, after a few years using it you won't miss it the pretty surface. :D
 
There's really no help for it- just send me the blade and buy another for yourself. I run a home for abused Fowlers.
 
Very fine pumice mixed with WD40, and rub lightly. You can reblend the blade and lose the stain.
 
Naval jelly should remove oxidation patina to reveal the "white" underneath. Shouldn't mar the surface like polishes might.
 
rookie4real said:
Dremel tool with polishing attachment and any polishing compund should take care of it.
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This is a very invasive method, even on low speed one can really make a mess of the blades finish, and if they get really carried away maybe even the heat treat. Those little polish discs are very tricky to get an even finish with. I would only use those for the spine of a knife, but to each their own.

I think Flitz and a rag is as good a start as any.
 
GregS said:
This is a very invasive method, even on low speed one can really make a mess of the blades finish, and if they get really carried away maybe even the heat treat. Those little polish discs are very tricky to get an even finish with. I would only use those for the spine of a knife, but to each their own.

I think Flitz and a rag is as good a start as any.
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Just want to make sure we are on the same page, polish discs=white wool soft wheels. They worked fine on A-2 BRKT blade, removing light scratches from sharpening. There was not much of heat generated, so messing up the heat treat was not an issue. I also can recommend steel wool that can be had at any hardware store, works like sand paper but with higher grit, up to 0000. It makes sense to start with finest abrasive/polishing method available, and if it is not sufficient, move to a more heavy polishing
 
Dremel's not bad with a soft wheel, but anything that removes scratches is removing surface metal. It may be overkill for this purpose. Flitz and a soft cloth is much less invasive, and will remove patina easily. Been there, done that. :)
 
The stuff I use is called Wenol, a non abrasive silver polish. The patina on the blade will not hurt anything!
I used to make custom rifles ( before the 1968 Federal stuff), I had built myself my dream rifle, a 25-improved Krag on a high wall action, deluxe wood, set trigger and the whole works, I spent months working on her.
My hunting partner suggest we drive out to the range and break her in. I said OK, he took the rifle out of the scabbard, laid her on the bare metal of his pickup bed and we drove to the range. About 1/2 way there he stopped and turned her over. When we got there, he advised me that now I would not be afraid to use her. he was right, used her for years and never worried about that first scratch again.

Sure enjoyed that rifle for over 15 years.
 
Ed Fowler said:
The stuff I use is called Wenol, a non abrasive silver polish. The patina on the blade will not hurt anything!
I used to make custom rifles ( before the 1968 Federal stuff), I had built myself my dream rifle, a 25-improved Krag on a high wall action, deluxe wood, set trigger and the whole works, I spent months working on her.
My hunting partner suggest we drive out to the range and break her in. I said OK, he took the rifle out of the scabbard, laid her on the bare metal of his pickup bed and we drove to the range. About 1/2 way there he stopped and turned her over. When we got there, he advised me that now I would not be afraid to use her. he was right, used her for years and never worried about that first scratch again.

Sure enjoyed that rifle for over 15 years.
Click to expand...

I think I cried a little when I read this thread. None of my guns are safe queens. I have used all of them and they have the nicks and dings to show for it. But the thought of taking even my most beat up used gun and laying it in the bed of my truck makes my teeth hurt. Every time I drop a gun, or bump it getting in and out of the truck it bothers me.



Back on topic to the original poster's patina. I would be careful with any attachment on the dremmel. Don't let that sucker catch the edge.
 
DONT USE NAVEL JELLY!!!
if it is going to be used for food... made that mistake several years ago...
unless you like the taste of navel jelly.... was on my knife for months no matter how i tried to clean it off :barf:
Edward
 
I should have mentioned this in my first post: If you want her cleaned up, simply send her to me, along with return postage and I will make her look like new. Your guarantee is for my life time. I would rather you use the heck out of her and enjoy her for what she was made for.
 
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