Then if that's the case that the rust was there when he sold it ..... then shame on the seller for misrepresenting the knife.
No argument - I should have contacted the seller before fixing the problem. It's just that when I see a problem and can fix it I sometimes jump in and go ahead and fix it. You are correct, I have learned my lesson to not trust this particular seller, and hope that other buyers do the same as I can see that he has been selling quite a few knives here in the past 3 weeks. This is the only seller here on this forum that has been a problem for me.
He is a real piece of work from the standpoint of packing, misrepresentation, and lack of communication.
I appreciate the insight and comments, thank you Gastonknife.