What would you do?

[Liquid Cobra]

I've located a new in box Caly 3 Super Blue that I am thinking about purchasing. The only problem is is that the blade is in a store where they haven't taken care of it. They allow people to touch it and fondle it and then they put it back in the display without oiling or wiping it down. I've looked at it and noticed some patina forming, and unfortunately a little bit of rust. I'm not sure yet, but I'm hoping I can get them down in price due to the rust. If they are willing to go down, I might be willing to buy it. Currently they are asking a couple bucks below MSRP.

What would you do? Would you buy it? Can rust be removed? I did a few searches on rust and it seems no one has a diffinitive answer of how to remove it.

Your help is much appreciated.

[TomAiello]

If you're buying it to collect, I'd skip it.

If you're buying it to use (and with a non-stainless steel, you should be), then I wouldn't even worry about it. If you want it, and you're going to use it, then go for it.

[Invective]

I just sent you a PM with a link to an online store that has them for a lot cheaper than MSRP, although I just noticed you are in Canada so I'm not sure if they ship there.

And I agree with what Tom said, if you want to use it and think it's a fair price, then get it. I got a 3.5 for $225 long after they were discontinued and I have enjoyed it and used at least $225 worth out of it, and it's still going strong. If you want to collect it or sell it later, I'd pass though.

[Liquid Cobra]

It would be a user for sure. I'll have to remove the rust or it will get worse right?

[Invective]

Yeah, it shouldn't be too hard. Some flitz polish, or even toothpaste should do the trick. Just gotta make sure to clean it down after every use if it's seeing dirty work, or at least keep it oiled if it's just taking down boxes and envelopes. I haven't had any problems with my Super Blue except when I neglect it, and even then it's an easy fix.

[Liquid Cobra]

If it's an easy fix they might not be willing to go down in price.

[RadioactiveSpyder]

But you don't have to share with them that you know of an easy fix, just that what they are selling you has some imperfections in your eyes due to the showroom handling. I am not saying to be dishonest, but you certainly don't have to tell them everything that's on your mind concerning a potential purchase.

[Blerv]

It's probably superficial unless it has putting. If you could get it for a deep discount worst case you could find someone to regrind it. Likely a little metal polish, diamond paste, or high-grit sandpaper would take it off quickly. It would fade the logos a bit though.

It gonna mainly be a user? I would prob track down one online since it's been so recent.

[ChapmanPreferred]

If the price was right, it would be worth it to me.

[Syncharmony]

You should be able to find one under MSRP new online I would imagine. Why go through the hassle and pay a premium?

[Liquid Cobra]

You should be able to find one under MSRP new online I would imagine. Why go through the hassle and pay a premium?

I guess because I don't really enjoy ordering knives online. It has to go through customs, takes a while and is kind of stressful for me. I know many of you will think that is silly. I've never purchased a Spyderco online, they have all been in person so maybe I'm spoiled a bit.

[phaust]

I wouldn't buy a knife in Super Blue in the first place if I was worried about surface rust on the blade

[sal]

Hi Cobra,

If you want to experience the Caly design (pattern) with a very interesting non stainless blade steel known for its edge properties that's not likely to become more available in the future, then go for it. (Was that a run-on sentence? ).

While I recognize that many collect our knives, for which I am humbled, if we made them just for collectors, we wouldn't have to use exotic high performance steels.

sal

[LC Kid]

Hi Folks!


Since I do have my own Super Blue Calys, 3" and 3.5", I couldn't recommend them more.

If the blade is not in the best shape you could try to polish it, and then allow it to develop it's own patina :D And I agree with Sal, it's unlikely to have those models in the short future. In fact, the new Super Blue models are made in laminated SB, which is really good, but a different finish compared to the original Sprint Runs.

[Holland]

heres a little inspiration

[Evil D]

I'd haggle the crap out of the patina/rust issue, buy it for as cheap as you can get it, and EDC the crap out of it.

[RanCoWeAla]

It would all depend on price. If you couldn't get it for half of msrp I would say let it go and look elsewhere

[rodloos]

I can appreciate the ability to buy it in-store and take it home with you. To me that is worth a bit of a price premium, unless it represents a financial hardship for you. Only you can determine if you can afford it.

Like others have said, Flitz should help to clean up the blade, unless there is rust down in the pivot. I wouldn't want to have to completely disassemble the knife (and void the warrany) to clean it.

I was skeptical of Super Blue when I first heard of it, in fact my first Caly 3 in Super Blue just sat in its box for a long time. Later I picked up an Endura and Delica with it, and used them enough to have to sharpen them, that I experienced how well they sharpen up. It really is a nice easy-to-sharpen steel. I've avoided trying to put a patina on mine, but some folks like to force a patina on super blue.

[sal]

I'll be carrying (wearing?) mine today because of this thread. Thanx Cobra.

sal

[Liquid Cobra]

Good to know Sal! That's pretty cool, I have to say.

Unfortunately for me my bargaining did not go very well. They were not willing to budge on the price. They said they would just polish the rust out, and that the patina that was forming was no big deal. I decided not to push as I was pretty sure the most they would go down was 10% from past experiences. So after taxes the price for the caly 3 would have been $245.00 Canadian. I guess it's not meant to be.

I'll have to look around some more. Thanks everyone for your input.