All About Pocket Knives

Does anyone know a simple way to determine whether a blade is either carbon or stainless? Thanks in advance for any information.

I recall that Orvet recommended a Birchwood Casey instant blueing product I think called Presto Blue, which would 'take' on non-stainless, not so much on stainless. I have been meaning to look at that and also 'browning' products.

Cold blue like we touch up guns with won’t take on stainless. Or you could peel an apple. Stainless won’t patina.

Colonel26 wrote: [...] Or you could peel an apple. Stainless won’t patina.

The correct test is to make an apple pie, or two.

Modern Slip Joints wrote:

Colonel26 wrote: [...] Or you could peel an apple. Stainless won’t patina.

The correct test is to make an apple pie, or two.

I like the way you think. A big platter of my grandma’s fried apple pies and a cup of strong black coffee. You done flung a cravin’ on me.

tongueriver wrote:I recall that Orvet recommended a Birchwood Casey instant blueing product I think called Presto Blue, which would 'take' on non-stainless, not so much on stainless. I have been meaning to look at that and also 'browning' products.

Yup, a small bottle of instant gun blue will last for years,

Vinegar or lemon juice. After 2-3 minutes the level of corrosion resistance is seen.