Rust under scales in milling - sand n lube?

[FloridaDreams]

I just popped the scales off the new-ish 3v fixed blade, because I knew a carbon blade I keep in my pocket for long stretches outdoors and in the kitchen and at work, was gonna get wet - slab scales with milling in the handle beneath is the perfect place for moisture to condense and rust. Well… look what I found after just a few weeks of use - I must be psychic. I had planned to just clean it with acetone and give it a generous coating of Frog Lube (food safe) but as it seems there’s already rust, what would your move be? It doesn’t seem polished on the inside of the milling, the jet lines are pronounced, so it’s likely jagged enough along the seam to invite moisture. Would you just sand it with some 300 grit and clean/lube and call it a day? If it ends up having really bad issues, I guess I wouldn’t want to ‘void the warranty’ but short of that, what warranty claim will a fixed blade have? Unless it starts talking back I guess…
I’m always looking to improve my best practices so I wonder what yours are.
Hope everyone is doing well and staying safe

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Clean it to bare metal, then paint it.