Rust Help!

[MEJ]

I use 3 in 1 oil on my knives and i am not sure if i put to much on? Should i rub the knife down or wipe it down? How do you tell the difference between a rust and a patina? I was told that if you wipe a blade down after it will form a patina that will actually help you blade?

 

[Cynic2701]

Rust looks like rust. Patina is a discoloration that can vary greatly from what looks like a slight stain, to an almost black/very dark grey. The difference is that a patina is caused by the formation of Iron II oxide - which prevents further oxidation - and rust is caused by the formation of Iron III oxide.

On smaller EDC carbon steel knives I like to use Burt's Beeswax chap stick--it's food safe and has more staying power than oils do.

I'm not sure that a patina will help you blade though...

 

[RevDevil]

According to any online or paper dictionary, patina is described as a thin layer of "film" as the result of handling or use. The definition of rust is oxidation, corrosion, or deterioration due to the presence of water. The way you tell the difference is by the color. Rust is, well...rust colored. A patina as cynic described is variable between a slight stain to a a dark almost black color. A google search of either of those terms will produce a visual example of both conditions.

If you force a patina on a blade, you are sealing it and inhibiting the speed at which rust forms. Any food related acidic substance can create a patina. To save you a google search, these items include anything with vinegar, citric acid, etc. Happy googling.