Schrade Scrimshaw question

N

nishulik

Joined
Jul 22, 2013
Messages
4
Hi I'm new here but I have a quick question. I recently obtained a Schrade Scrimshaw "Lance" limited edition and it seems that my finger/finger prints nave stained the steel. Is this normal? Is there anyway to clean it? Thanks in advance
 
Your Schrade is made with 1095 carbon steel. It contains no chromium, which is the added element that makes stainless steel stainless (at amounts of 10-13% or more, depending on the source you ask). As such, it'll oxidize very easily if unprotected. Oxidization could be black "peppering", red rust, or it could be a patina (like an old penny, door knob, or the Statue of Liberty).

A metal polish like Flitz or Simichrome can maybe remove the stains on your knife, but depending on the type and degree of oxidization, the blade may never be 100% perfect again. It could come off entirely, it could leave a "shadow", or it could leave pitting. Regardless, collector value will be damaged like any other collectable that is no longer "mint".
 
Thank you for the reply, I'll try and clean it. What should I use to protect it from happening again?
 
Some sort of oil or other protectant. Machine oil or mineral oil (look in the laxative section...seriously), or any lube you'd find in a gun shop like Remoil or Militec. Tuf-Glide is a good dry lube. Don't use WD-40.
 
Display knives do well when cleaned of anything corrosive, dried, then paste waxed. I prefer Renn wax. It looks beautiful and does a micropolish of the kind that won't ruin collector value. Doubt it will take any real rust though. Some very light patinas or shawdows, some fingerprints if not too deep.

For using type knives that need corrosion protection I have gone from gun oils to 100% pure liquid silicone. It's as clear as pure water and does a good job. For nightly after work wipe downs I use a yellow silicone gun cleaning cloth from Outers, or other brands. Seal it back up in the plastic zip lock after use.

Joe
 
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