Weird spots on M4 ZT0770

[Col_Clusterfock]

I don't normally carry this knife as I work in a kitchen and tend to get pretty sweaty, so it hasn't seen much pocket time. I went to use it today and noticed these spots on the DLC coating. Can anyone tell me what these are? Is it rust underneath the DLC?

Tried wiping down with mineral oil and Tuf Glide, but the spots reappeared as soon as they dry. If anyone has any ideas or experience with this I'd appreciate it.

Thanks

 

[DeadboxHero]

Not underneath, it's on top. That's just some rust, no big deal.

 

[Col_Clusterfock]

Thanks for the reply. So what would be a good way to clean this off without messing up the coating? I'm assuming flitz wouldn't damage anything, or I think I read about using WD40 and a toothbrush. And I didn't know you could get rust on the surface of DLC, learn something new everyday.

 

[DeadboxHero]

Thanks for the reply. So what would be a good way to clean this off without messing up the coating? I'm assuming flitz wouldn't damage anything, or I think I read about using WD40 and a toothbrush. And I didn't know you could get rust on the surface of DLC, learn something new everyday.

Man, Barkeepers friend has been my go to for rust. Haven't used it for DLC, the knife I had with DLC and rust was a Kershaw Knockout with 14c28n and a DLC.
I Never bothered to clean off the rust either just left it be.
I have a Blade HQ m4 para 3 but no rust yet.

 

[eKretz]

The only way it could be rust is if the coating was not done well and it's porous - that would mean the steel is rusting underneath. DLC is basically elemental carbon, it can not rust. I'd just BKF it and call it a day. The BKF will remove whatever it is, and there isn't much that can damage DLC. I have several DLC knives and none have rusted.