Discolored High-Carbon Steel?

Quoted message said:

EskWIRED Writes:

I have a set of high-carbon butcher's knives.

They are discolored. Can I clean/shine them up at all?

Carbon steel knives are supposed to become darkened... so long as they're not rusted leave them
alone... don't even think about touching them with any kind of abrasive. After use wash by hand
only, do not submerge the wood handles, wipe dry and store in a safe place.

---= BOYCOTT FRENCH--GERMAN (belgium) =--- ---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =--- Sheldon
```````````` "Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation."

EskWIRED said:

I have a set of high-carbon butcher's knives that I got at an estate sale (it was quite a score -
14" Scimitar, 12" Boning Knife, 2 pound cleaver and an 8" trimming knife, all with brand new
handles, with a professional quality steel, and a maple butcher's block, scary sharp, for $20!

Nice drive-by.

Quoted message said:

guess is that the deceased was a butcher, and when he retired, he put new handles on his knives,
sharpened them and put them away.)

Quoted message said:

They are discolored. Can I clean/shine them up at all?

Discolored's OK, pitting/rust isn't. As long as there's no corrosion there shouldn't be a problem.

There are a number of boutique products/polishing kits out there for sword afficionados but, meh,
it's more work than it's worth IMO. Camellia oil, rottenstone, and pads might work.

Abrasives are out unless you want to use toothpolish and your thumbs, but you'll never get HCS
blades shiny, nor would you want to - the discoloration is part of the patina/protective layer.

Just remember this: warm soapy water, thorough rinse, towel dry and a quick wipe with a paper towel
and vegetable oil. If you're going to leave them for a while, like a week or so, it doesn't hurt to
fold the blades into a paper towel drizzled with vegetable oil.

Best,

Marc

In rec.food.cooking said:

Quoted message said:

EskWIRED Writes:

I have a set of high-carbon butcher's knives.

They are discolored. Can I clean/shine them up at all?

Quoted message said:

Carbon steel knives are supposed to become darkened... so long as they're not rusted leave them
alone... don't even think about touching them with any kind of abrasive. After use wash by hand
only, do not submerge the wood handles, wipe dry and store in a safe place.

Thanks.

--
...I'm an air-conditioned gypsy...

- The Who

(PENMART01) said:

Quoted message said:

EskWIRED Writes:

I have a set of high-carbon butcher's knives.

They are discolored. Can I clean/shine them up at all?

Carbon steel knives are supposed to become darkened... so long as they're not rusted leave them
alone... don't even think about touching them with any kind of abrasive. After use wash by hand
only, do not submerge the wood handles, wipe dry and store in a safe place.

Gawd damn, Sheldon. I just wrote 'bout the same response.

I think I should either award myself a gold star or be very, very afraid.

Best,

Marc

[email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

I have a set of high-carbon butcher's knives that I got at
an estate sale (it was quite a score - 14" Scimitar, 12"
Boning Knife, 2 pound cleaver and an 8" trimming knife,
all with brand new handles, with a professional quality
steel, and a maple butcher's block, scary sharp, for $20!
My guess is that the deceased was a butcher, and when he
retired, he put new handles on his knives, sharpened them
and put them away.)

They are discolored. Can I clean/shine them up at all?

Maybe BarKeepers Friend? It works wonders on stainless.

Jack

--
*Top-posters are generally ignored*
aka Keet Visit my webpage at
junior.apk.net~jacOpen ↗ "Always
proofread to see if you any words."

High Flight said:

[email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

I have a set of high-carbon butcher's knives that I got
at an estate sale (it was quite a score - 14" Scimitar,
12" Boning Knife, 2 pound cleaver and an 8" trimming
knife, all with brand new handles, with a professional
quality steel, and a maple butcher's block, scary sharp,
for $20! My guess is that the deceased was a butcher, and
when he retired, he put new handles on his knives,
sharpened them and put them away.)

They are discolored. Can I clean/shine them up at all?

Maybe BarKeepers Friend? It works wonders on stainless.

Jack

They can be sharpened to the best edge, but they will
discolor.

It's a point of pride with people that have them!