Rust

stephensee · Nov 30, 2002

This afternoon I was working in the rain with my Villager, and I have noticed that it rust really less than my AK Chiruwa. I was really surprised. It cut as well than the chiruwa, but it must not be the same steel composition.

MauiRob · Nov 30, 2002

Hmmmm...Could be a number of other reasons but I'm sure you ruled those out already--different type/amounts of lubricants on the blades, different degree of polish put on blade surface, patina from use on a blade will act as natural rust repellent too...

Best wait for the real-deal-steel experts

stephensee · Nov 30, 2002

My chiruwa (which rust more) have a high polish surface (miror polish when it was new, and nice patina now after 2 years of good use).
My Kumar Villager (which rust less) is "satin" finished, and had no oil on it when I have used it this afternoon during 2h 1/2 in the rain (I've just cleaned it before use).

stephensee · Nov 30, 2002

patina from use on a blade will act as natural rust repellent

It would be logic MauiRob, you're may be right. Yes.

Ferrous Wheel · Nov 30, 2002

true, or you could blue the blade...also stops or at least slows rust.

Keith

stephensee · Nov 30, 2002

Rust is not a problem for me. I would even say that I love rust. I was just founding curious the different reaction of 2 khuks steel in the same situation : work in the rain.

Bill Martino · Nov 30, 2002

There is an outside chance the village model might not be MB spring steel.

stephensee · Nov 30, 2002

Yes, may be Bill Martino. It cut very well.

Federico · Dec 1, 2002

Hardness could be a factor as well. Supposedly harder steel rusts slower than soft steel.

stephensee · Dec 1, 2002

Yes Federico, may be as well. As said MauiRob it could be a number of reasons. It's very interesting.

Underhay · Dec 1, 2002

This is an interesting observation. I agree with Frederico, because I have a laminated steel knife and it is very noticable that the hardened centre of the blade rusts less than the mild steel sides. I know the HI kukris are only hardened at the edge zone, so it may be that the less well engineered villager is completely hardened and therefore more likely to break in service.

regards Duncan