Super Blue Steel ...Yay or Nay ?

Since knife sharpening & maintenance is a hobby of mine I have no reservations about corrosion prone steel such as Aogami but even so I still don't take them to coastal areas or carry them on rainy days. I love how it takes a fine edge and how it cuts, but it is the most corrosion prone steel I have ever used. I agree that the patina route is the way to go. I have the Mule, Caly 3.5 & 3, both users and safe queens and will most certainly get the SB version of the Stretch and likely all of the rest.
 
I want to try one but where i live 154cm will rust on you in a work day, so no telling what SB will do , If i can patina it and it not mess with the action like i did my 1st gayle bradley then I may give it a try, but if that patina or corrision is gonna get in the pivot area and cause gritty openings then I'm gonna say NAY.
 
A used tool doesn't rust. (Unless you're near the sea!) Just work up a nice natural patina and take care of it. It should serve you well for years. Carbon steel can take an amazing edge as well!
 
Those that do not want a patina can keep it off by applying tuff glide or other such thing and can maintain the finish by rinsing and drying the blade after contact with food or avoid using it with food altogether. You prob dont even need a protectant, just keep it dry and clean. Iv'e said this already but I see several folks say they dont want a patina on folders... It is avoidable you know.
 
I just got mine in the mail and I really love the design but am a little worried about the possible corrosion living on the ocean. I'm tempted to give it a shot and see how it "ages".
 
The Pacific Ocean is my backyard. It's not humid or anything here in San Francisco though but my cars are proof of what saltwater in the air does. I haven't had any oxidation issues with my blades though. Might be different in Big island Hawaii Im assuming. You can go both ways with SB, patina or apply a protectant.
 
Kicking myself for missing the Caly 3.5 in SB so I'm gonna console myself with the Endura when it arrives. I'd grab the Caly 3 but I think the shorter blade will get left at home more often than not.
 
allyourblood said:
Kicking myself for missing the Caly 3.5 in SB so I'm gonna console myself with the Endura when it arrives. I'd grab the Caly 3 but I think the shorter blade will get left at home more often than not.
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Yesterday both GPK and KC had them in stock and available to ship.
 
Go for it. I am thinking about getting one. About all I do for my carbon steels is wipe them dry on my pants or something. When you see a bit of rust pick at it, let your blade darken on up. Maybe if you are concerned with your blade looking shiny...
 
Ahh, got it. The funny thing is that the 3.5 is not much bigger than the 3. Sal got some real efficiencies into the 3.5 design. :thumbup:

allyourblood said:
I know, but that's the 3" version which I doubt I'd carry much. It's the 3.5 that I'm bummed out about.
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I have a Manix with the light brown handle and CPM M4 steel. How does this "blue steel" compare to that? My Manix still has the factory edge on it, it came sharp and hasn't needed to be sharpened. But it did get some staining within days of being used as an EDC knife. I decided to just keep it oiled and carry it as my right side knife anyway.

Gregg
 
Half an inch is actually quite alot in my opinion. The 3 in Caly is basically identical in size to a Sage. The 3.5 version is much more substantial.
I have the 3.5 in SB steel and I absolutely love it! The steel turns a nice gold/copper color almost instantly without any protective products. That's not a patina, just a slight hue/stain the knife takes on. It's very similar to ZDP in that way. I rub it down with plain old Lucas bearing grease to protect the blade and it instantly removes any light stains and it turns right back to a light silver color. However, because it's a rarity I don't use it. I like to collect different blade steels among my knives, as well as the models themselves. It was my first Caly 3.5 and I loved the model so much that I had to go out and buy a VG10 user.
 
tulsamal said:
I have a Manix with the light brown handle and CPM M4 steel. How does this "blue steel" compare to that? My Manix still has the factory edge on it, it came sharp and hasn't needed to be sharpened. But it did get some staining within days of being used as an EDC knife. I decided to just keep it oiled and carry it as my right side knife anyway.

Gregg
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No first hand experience here, but what I have read, M4 will hold an edge longer, and SB will stain easier. People talk about SB taking a very fine edge very easy, but M4 is talked up as taking a fine edge also. M4 may also be tougher. M4 is probably better all around, but if you want any Japanese models with M4 it won't happen, and SB is a close alternative.
 
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