Stained carbon steel blades

[sdw]

I have a forged 1095 blade that stains very easily.I do not use it for hunting,it gets used for general tasks.I use it in the kitchen,and while fishing.After use I use a tough cloth and that will usually clean it up,but it does'nt completely restore it.As time goes on I guess it will eventually have the look of an antique blade.I am not concerned,because I like that look.Does anyone else like this?Do you let your carbon blades stain up naturally or do you keep looking new?
scott

 

[Paracelsus]

I have a lot of carbon steel knives. Some I never use, and I keep them waxed and oiled to prevent rust and tarnish because I want them to look just like they did when they were first made. Other knives are Users, and some discoloration is expected, even welcomed.

Carbon steel knives that are used (especially in the kitchen on acidic fruits) will develop a patina over time. There is really no way to prevent this. You can restore the bright finish by using abrasives (polishing), but it will be a constant battle. The darkening that happens will not hurt the knives performance at all. Think of this as a desirable feature of a carbon steel knife.

I know some people who pre-age a carbon steel knife by using lemon juice to accelerate this process and to get a nice uniform appearance quickly.

It's not a bad thing...

 

[Danbo]

Or, you could just sell the knife to me at a great price, and be done with it!

------------------
Danbo, soul brother of Rambo

 

[sdw]

danbo
I can sell it to you,but the price will be pretty expensive since it now has more features on it.
scott

 

[Ebbtide]

I too, like the "old hammer look"
In fact, when I got my 1st tube of flitz, I went on a polishing spree & polished up my old schrade sharpfinger. I regretted it

But.. it is getting back to it's former self...a couple more fishin' trips should do it

Like the others have said...it aint a bad thing!
Ebbtide out.