Rust and slice mark. A concern??

S

Seyter

Joined
Jan 2, 2019
Messages
12
Hi,
I just bought a Tramontina 18" machete this week. Sharpened it then the next day started weilding it against bamboos, tapiocas, ferns, etc around my farm. I even chop 2 rubber trees. I'm impress of the durability of the blade but just after coming home i started to notice rust spots and slice mark on the blade. It builds my concern about it. Washing the blade with running water than drying it up with clean cloth does'nt change. I lube the blade with car coolant fluid by smearing it and patting till dry to prevent further rust and avoid corroision. Its the benefit of the lube said on the bottle. However, the rust and slice mark just won't disapear. Is it normal and should I concern about it?
Tq.
 
Probably lots of sap or pitch on the blade, which usually doesn't clean up easily with just soap & water. Products like WD-40, Goo-Gone, lighter fluid (naphtha), kerosene, mineral spirits, etc., can help with that. Tree or vegetation sap can trap moisture, dirt, etc on the blade, which will contribute to rusting.
 
It is made of carbon steel (1070 I believe). It's gonna get some character if you use it. I've used mine heavily and it shows, but it holds its edge well. They do have a clear lacquer coat on them to help keep them from rusting during shipping and storage, but that will scrape off as you use it. I imagine that may explain the "slice" marks if I understand you correctly. Carbon steel needs some extra care but if you clean it and put a light coat of oil on after you are done for the day, it could very well survive longer than you. If not, they're cheap enough to replace without putting you on a Ramen diet for a year.
 
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