Knife is rusting after using it only twice

Knife is rusting after using it only twice - Close-Up Shot of a Person Slicing Cooked Meat

I recently got a knife as a gift and after only using it two times it has started to rust, despite making sure to properly clean it and dry it after using it. There is also one large spot of black/blue discolouration on the back of the knife. Also I'm not sure if this helps but the branding on the knife says 'Okeya'. How can I avoid this happening and what should I do to treat the rust? enter image description here



Best Answer

Just glancing at the knife, it appears to be made with rough san mai technique forged stock or a similar form. This is a technique were a soft iron or steal is sandwiched with a higher carbon hardenable steel center layer which is then honed and will hold an edge. The outer layer is left rough and somewhat decorative, and though it is soft and cheaper metal, it actually adds to the durability of the blade by being softer. However, it is porous and can tend to catch water, acids and corrosive items so could be prone to rusting if not sealed and yours obviously fits that description.

Vinegar as suggested, diluted, could well help clean off the rust, but be sure if you go that route to promptly clean any off and consider neutralizing it with a base such as baking soda. As light a layer as you have, just a good wash will likely remove it though. With any use of something like steel wool, keep it away from that beveled edge which should be you hardenable steel. I would tend to suggest a good wash and then not only dry it well, maybe even use some heat to make sure, such as a blow drier. Once good and dry, give it a light oiling as you would cast iron and keep it regularly oiled to keep a layer to prevent direct water contact.

Taking a look, I see Okeya knives listed as carbon steel and iron, never corrosion resistant. I would never soak, use a dish washer, or leave wet at all or in contact with anything corrosive such as fruit juice. If you use oil, light oil and flavor neutral, that will not go rancid.




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Quick Answer about "Knife is rusting after using it only twice"

Vinegar as suggested, diluted, could well help clean off the rust, but be sure if you go that route to promptly clean any off and consider neutralizing it with a base such as baking soda. As light a layer as you have, just a good wash will likely remove it though.

Why does my knife keep rusting?

Why does cutlery rust? Metals are susceptible to rusting when they come into contact with water or oxygen; it's a natural chemical reaction between these elements. Salty water and acidic water also help speed up the corrosion process. As your cutlery is made from metal, when washing, there is a chance of rusting.

Is it safe to use a knife that has rust on it?

Don't worry, the rust is not dangerous and you can still safely use the knife. The only issue with rusted knives is that it is unsightly and can add impurities to your food preparation. Also, if rust is not treated, it can end up making a knife unusable.

How long does it take for a knife to rust?

The carbon knives we carry start to visibly rust when exposed to moisture after a rough minimum of 6 minutes. Using your carbon steel knife will build a patina, which makes it rust much, much slower- think 45 minutes to a couple of hours.

How do you remove rust stains from knives?

How to remove rust spots from cutlery
  • Fill the glass with enough white vinegar to submerge the entire blade of the knife.
  • Place the knife in the vinegar and let it sit for at least five minutes.
  • Remove the knife from the vinegar and use the sponge to scrub away the rust.




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    More answers regarding knife is rusting after using it only twice

    Answer 2

    A list of methods for removing rust from knives can be found at Knife Depot. In your case, as the rust appears very light and is recent, simply wiping with a vinegar cloth may be sufficient (possibly also needing a wipe with fine steel wool) and then wipe off any remaining vinegar.

    In future, it is imperative that you dry the washed knife immediately and then apply a very thin coating of food safe (e.g., vegetable) oil (or fat) - wipe on then wipe off. Also, don't leave the knife wet (e.g., while using it) for any length of time - wipe with a dry cloth.

    Answer 3

    The rust is a common problem for carbon steel knives. I have two to Sabatier knives which are now more than 50 years old and have had some rust on them from time to time. I just clean them off with a Brillo pad or similar mild abrasive, dry them off and put them away (personally I would shy away from any "chemical solutions" (forgive the pun)). Over the course of the years, the blades have stained, but the, if it can be considered that, is cosmetic. What I do (or try to remember to do is to wipe the knive off after I take it out of the rack, just before I use it. (For the record, one of Sabatier's is a 12 inch vegetable slicer which is just as sharp now as it was 50 years ago.)

    Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

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