A recently bought carbon steel knife started staining. Is the staining rust or patina? I’m afraid it’s been ruined despite frequent drying according to instructions and quick drying.
by FrostyWarning
A recently bought carbon steel knife started staining. Is the staining rust or patina? I’m afraid it’s been ruined despite frequent drying according to instructions and quick drying.
by FrostyWarning
![[NED] Zebralight SC600 Mk IV Plus with 3000K CRI 95 SFT-70](https://www.edctips.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/s0ah0nxkmbzc1-150x150.jpg)
7 Comments
I might be wrong but I think its a mix of both. Like on the bolster and the top half, that red looks more like rust to me.
Qtip rub will help identify the rust… Patina won’t transfer to the cotton.
Either way, rust or patina, it does not look good.
Old Toothbrush and Bar Keepers Friend
Clean that knife and restart your patina trip.
Rust
If it’s smooth, it’s patina. if you can fee it with your fingertips, it’s rust.
Steel wool, or brass or bronze wool, will usually take the crunchy stuff off nicely without damaging the color under it. Metal polish will take the color off too, if you want a fresh start.
It looks like rust..a little mineral oil on your blades will prevent that..it’s food safe and cheap.
rust. steel wool and mineral oil to scrub it off. clean it off well. oil it with mineral oil.
conversely, when it’s dry, apply a couple coats of hot apple cider vinegar to the blade to force a patina.