PATINA - Character builder - or - Blade Cancer??

Fort Henry Custom Knives · Jan 12, 2003

I have a nice collection of older Ruanas and as the collection grows I look at the condition of some of the blades and wonder.... some of these knife have a dark Patina on the blade, which might be expected from knives which are High Carbon steel and are 30 plus years old. However, being the O.C. kind of person that I am I worry that the discoloration could be hiding some deep pitting that might be beginning. I am considering gently cleaning some of the darker blades with a light polish like Metal-Glo or Flitz.

I know there are many Forumites that own and use High Carbon steel blades, some even TRY to darken the blades and give them a Patina under the guise that it gives the knife character. Correct me if I'm wrong but the Patina is oxidation, so if we let the blades keep that patina are we not just allowing the blades to begin RUSTING? So why not remove the stains immediately after they appear (or after we have completed the job that we are using the blade for)?

Lets hear your thoughts on Patina, character or Cancer?

Arathol · Jan 12, 2003

Yes it is oxidation, of a different sort, much like the blueing on a rifle barrel is a form of oxidation. I've always been told that a good patina on a carbon blade will keep it from rusting as long as the blade is cared for properly. I have many old knives with a dark patina that show no signs of pitting or otherwise degrading.

Jazzman · Jan 12, 2003

I like a nice deep patina on my carbon steel blades. With some advice I found around here, my OldTimer Jack now has a nice deep bluish gray blade.
Matt

Alberta Ed · Jan 12, 2003

Patina results from exposure of carbon steel to various acidic products, I believe: citrus fruits, blood, etc. The patina on my favourite carbon steel blades tells a story that I treasure during that "in-between time" that separates hunting seasons

misque · Jan 13, 2003

I like a good patina on a using straight Carbon steel knife. It is unacceptable, however, for a patina to appear on knives that are on display in the collecion that never see actual use.

I agree with Alberta Ed's sentiments. A good patina tells a story and gives a using knife character.

All the best,
Mike U.

Coonskinner · Jan 13, 2003

I think the patina on a carbon steel blade is beautiful.

The blue or gray patina on the blade seems to inhibit the more destructive red rust.

rev_jch · Jan 13, 2003

patina is oxidation (rust), but does ad a little character. Patina can actually help protect the blade from further rust, but it has to be taken care of also. You cannot leave the blade alone without protection and expect it to last forever. I would suggest putting rennasaince wax on the blade after "very lightly" rubbing the blade with some brasso, flitz, or metal glo (ect.). You dont want to be agressive as you may end up making your blade look uneven. very lightly clean it up and treat the blade. You can also use, of course, any rust preventitive, such as tuf-glide, any oil, ect. Rennasaince wax works the best for something thats stored and not seeing much use. You can put it on the blade and leave it alone, stored (dispalyed, ect.)!!!

Rauder · Jan 13, 2003

If you want to get rid of the patina without scratching do what REV suggested and rub the blade with Flitz metal polish and a rag. It will come right off.

APM · Jan 13, 2003

In the would of Antique's a Tiffany Lamp that has been cleaned by any means is worth anywhere from 1/4 to down to 1/10 what it would have been worth if it was never cleaned in the first place, a fine Patina is to be expected and treasured. I never clean any of my old fine knifes for sure, with any abrasive at all.

James

Cliff Stamp · Jan 13, 2003

Hillbillenigma :

... could be hiding some deep pitting that might be beginning.

Generally this isn't the case, though the black oxide can run deep, it usually is the orange (rust) that causes such problems. It is very difficult to keep carbon blades free of a patina unless you are willing to polish them constantly. Overtime this will smooth out, in the beginning it doesn't look to good as it is very splotchy. So in short, for a user, its not a problem, and very common.

-Cliff