tarnish blade?

B

bernard

Joined
Jun 9, 2000
Messages
45
I have a high carbon or 10xx steel blade and noticed that they tend to be a little darker, tarnished or oxidised shortly after contact with fruits with sap. I have not tried oranges but i reckon that the result would be worst given the acidity. What I can't understand is that how a bananna can affect a blade so badly. After the stain was there, I had to use a 1500 paper to remove it, autosol works as well.I know what I used wasnt suitable for cutting fruits but anyone with this experience?
thanks
 
All the time. Carbon V blades are probably worse but the oxidation or patina doesn't harm the knife. I wouldn't worry about it. If it is a bother, use Sentry's Tuff-Cloth. I have had success using that to prevent unwanted oxidation.

Regards,

------------------
~Greg Mete~
Kodiak Alaska
 
thanks for yr reply this oxidation sometimes leaves a dark line at the cut layer. but what i am curious is whether the cut item is still edible and if this prolonged oxidation would do harm to the blade?
 
The fruit is still edible if you cut it with a carbon steel blade, but you might notice a tangy, metallic taste.

Prolonged oxidation will actually help the blade, rather than hurt it. A patina provides a layer of protection against the red/orange rust. That kind of rust is very destructive and must be removed, but the darker blue/black rust is nothing to worry about.
 
I have several Kissing Crane folders with carbon steel blades and they all are badly tarnished (from slicing fruit), despite my applying Tuff-Cloth and Tuff-Glide regularly. Stainless blades are the only way to go, unless you like the "patina" - I don't!
 
CERULEAN is absoloutly right. I made my wife a set of kitchen knives out of O1 almost ten tears ago and while they are now black and arguably ugly, they have never rusted. They WILL obviously if you leave them wet long enough, but the patina slows the process quite alot.

I would stay away from Tuff Cloth on a blade regularly used to prepare food. Unless you wash the blade with soap and water before cutting food it will leave a terrible taste and smell.
Take care,

------------------
Gary Bradburn
Bradburn Custom Cutlery
www.hammerheadknives.com www.toptexknives.com/bradburn.htm

"You can only protect your liberties in this world by protecting the other mans freedom. You can only be free if I am"

[This message has been edited by GARY B (edited 07-15-2000).]
 
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