"Pepper Marks"?

AFAustin

AFAustin

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Jun 8, 2004
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What exactly are "pepper marks" on a blade? I am guessing they are small rust spots, but don't really know.

Are they difficult to remove, and what is the best method for doing so without making a mess of the blade?

Thanks for any advice.

Andrew
 
As you surmised, it's oxidation. Sometimes light oxidation can be removed with just a wooden toothpick and WD-40 or other petroleum/oil based product.

Simichrome or an equivalent light abrasive paste will assist in its removal and also polish the blades (if needed).

However, bear in mind that anything beyond a very light cleaning to prevent further oxidation can detract from the value of a vintage knife.
 
If you can, take a very close look at the 'pepper' on a blade, to make sure the spots are black. If so, that's just simple black oxide; they're not too much to worry about. Sometimes though, when viewed under bright light and with magnification, those spots might show some red. That's rust; get rid of those, when you find 'em. Red rust will keep right on rusting, given the appropriate conditions, which can leave some fairly deep pits in the steel.

Sometimes, very small red rust spots won't necessarily be obvious rust under normal light.
 
Pepper spots can be your friend. If you're ever looking on that big auction site for a good user knife, if you find one with pepper spots, that will scare away the collectors and keep the price reasonable. :D I've picked up some great knives that way, including a U.S.-made Old Timer 34OT that cost me around $12. It cleaned up well and is a really great knife.

-- Mark
 
"Pepper spots can be your friend." That's for sure. Due to "pepper spots" on the interior of back spring, I got a Don Hanson 41/2" remington style slipjoint for 250 rather than the 325 asked by the gun show dealer. I bought it as a user, and the spots are still there with a few more for company. Only an OCD knifeknut would care :)
 
brownshoe said:
"Pepper spots can be your friend." That's for sure. Due to "pepper spots" on the interior of back spring, I got a Don Hanson 41/2" remington style slipjoint for 250 rather than the 325 asked by the gun show dealer. I bought it as a user, and the spots are still there with a few more for company. Only an OCD knifeknut would care :)
Click to expand...

And someone that pays $250 for a knife is? I kid I kid - I too have paid that kind of money for a knife.
 
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