Please educate me about "spalted steel'

[ncrockclimb]

I am new to Fiddleback, and getting ready to buy my first one. I keep on seeing blades described as "spalted." What does that mean?

Thanks for helping to educate the new guy!

 

[Case_XX]

it is a proprietary process Andy and crew apply to the steel. Basically it adds interest/character to the flats of the blade.

 

[ncrockclimb]

Thanks! Is spalting the cool splotches (can't think of another way to describe it) on the unground portion of the blade?

 

[Szilard]

Yes it is. It's not an acid etch and adds a texture to the knife as well.

 

[VANCE]

Yes
It's the cool looking spots and it is entirely unpredictable