Visual difference between stainless steel and high carbon steel knife

J

John L

Joined
Oct 28, 2004
Messages
1,330
How can one determine whether a blade is stainless steel or high carbon steel in a realtively new knife not given the time or chance to patina?
 
Force a patina or stain, it could be done in seconds.....otherwise I wouldn't know that it's possible with just a visual inspection.
 
That is the problem in many shops when we forget to mark our stock and finished blades. I like the force patina but then you might have to polish it out. But better than trying to ht carbine steel as ss.
 
44-40 gun blue. Use a Q tip or toothpick in an inconspicuous spot. It will immediately darken carbon steel, but won't touch nost stainless.
 
Just to look at two pieces of polished steel ( or clean bars) will not tell you much. Even looking at the rust on bars or unhardened blades won't usually tell the difference. Bill's Q-tip and bluing test will instantly separate the two, though.
 
There are also, well, let's call them semi-stainless steels that will take a small stain. D2 is a good example which has 12% chromium which is right at the cusp of what is considered stainless. So, although running a patina/stain test will give you some indication...it's not science.
 
stick it in a lemon

You will know after leaving it there for a few minutes
 
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