What the **** happened to this Damascus Stretch?

[j.tank]

Hello all,

I just registered here and am brand new to the world of knives.

I bought a Stretch Nishijin a couple months ago (It is my favorite) and have been using it nearly everyday with no issues.
However, I got it out of the safe today and noticed many large brown stains on both sides of the blade. I am inclined to think it is rust, but it
is not rough. Please help me identify this. I don't know how severe the problem is or what to do about it.

The last thing i used it for was cutting a pomegranate. After, I cleaned it up like i usually do (warm water, soap, wipe dry, air dry) and
placed it in its box in the safe. It was in there for 3 days before i pulled it out again this morning.

Pics:

[Laethageal]

Clearly rust.
There must have been some residue even after you washed it.

[bearfacedkiller]

Welcome to the forum. :)

It looks like the beginning of rust. It should come off fairly easily. I would wipe it down with some oil before you store it. I use food grade mineral oil myself but there are many options.

[j.tank]

Alright, no use crying over spilled milk.

What should I do about it?

[j.tank]

Welcome to the forum. :)

It looks like the beginning of rust. It should come off fairly easily. I would wipe it down with some oil before you store it. I use food grade mineral oil myself but there are many options.

Thank you for the warm welcome :)

I attempted to clean it with some dish soap and water but it didn't work. What would be a better option?

[j.tank]

Do you guys have any effective DIY methods?

Or should I package this up and send it to Spyderco for repair?

In all honesty i would rather do it myself and gain the skill, but i want to get it done right.

[Invective]

Welcome to the forum. :)

It looks like the beginning of rust. It should come off fairly easily. I would wipe it down with some oil before you store it. I use food grade mineral oil myself but there are many options.

Thank you for the warm welcome :)

I attempted to clean it with some dish soap and water but it didn't work. What would be a better option?

Use an old toothbrush and some toothpaste and that should clean it off without scratching the steel.

[xceptnl]

I would not recommend anything super abrasive or harsh. Start with a mild cleaner and a soft cloth. If that doesn't work (like you said it didn't for you), perhaps a product like (Loctite) Naval Jelly or Flitz polish and a soft cloth. I would advise caution as either of these could possibly remove the etch that brings out the differences in the layers of steel. Start small and using thin coats, while not letting them dry on the blade. Good luck.

[j.tank]

I would not recommend anything super abrasive or harsh. Start with a mild cleaner and a soft cloth. If that doesn't work (like you said it didn't for you), perhaps a product like (Loctite) Naval Jelly or Flitz polish and a soft cloth. I would advise caution as either of these could possibly remove the etch that brings out the differences in the layers of steel. Start small and using thin coats, while not letting them dry on the blade. Good luck.

Thank you very much sir. :)

I will employ this method when i get some time later tonight.
I have a few extra soft, fibrous cloths for cleaning computer monitors and TVs. I'll use one of those.

[xceptnl]

Thank you very much sir. :)

I will employ this method when i get some time later tonight.
I have a few extra soft, fibrous cloths for cleaning computer monitors and TVs. I'll use one of those.

Transversely, you can use Flitz combined with a scotch-brite pad for a super aggressive surface cleaner.

[Donut]

I don't think I'd use a scotchbrite pad (probably depending on which scotchbrite pad), I use a scotchbrite pad on my Stainless Steel handled Cricket to restore the "brushed" finish, it basically scratches the handle until you don't see the rest of the scratches.

[sal]

Hi J.Tank,

Welcome to our forum.

Very strange reaction. Keep us posted on your results. If you can't get it clean, you can send it to us for a look-see.

sal

[Blerv]

I would highly recommend Fitz. If you make sure to clean it well and oil it afterwards loading a wash cloth with tooth paste and stropping the blade might work as well. As with any abrasive be sure to check your progress after a few strokes.

The more you spread out the abrasive the more homogeneous the results will be (ie: not one shiny spot here and there). The less aggressive the abrasive and rate that you apply it the slower it will cut. This is the slow way to do it but with such a nice knife I would prefer to spend more time prior to ramping up the intensity...plug in a movie while you work. :)

[KevinOubre]

I say use REM oil or similar solvent and fine steel wool and it should be gone in about 30 seconds.

[Cujobob]

I swear there was another thread about this happening on a Damascus knife recently.

[nccole]

I have this Rust eraser thing called a "super eraser" that I use and it works pretty well. It is similar to an oversized pink eraser, but it is not pink and has some abrasives in it. It works well and is cheap.

[spyderHS08]

Any updates tank? And welcome to the forums :)

[Doc Dan]

You might try Mr Clean Magic Eraser. I have used that on occasion. Also, good ol' WD40 will go through rust and clean it off with a tooth brush.

[j.tank]

Hi J.Tank,

Welcome to our forum.

Very strange reaction. Keep us posted on your results. If you can't get it clean, you can send it to us for a look-see.

sal

Sal,

It is an honor to meet you sir. :)
Thank you for the warm welcome.

[Evil D]

You may also try CLR bathroom cleaner. It's a Calcium, Lime, and Rust remover, so if the rust hasn't started pitting the steel it may well just wipe off with that stuff.