Before I explain my situation, I just want to say that I’ve read several other threads with similar issues, and I don’t want this to devolve into a bashing thread. I’m starting this thread to ask your collective opinion, and see what the community thinks.
I received a brand-new Mini Aurora in 3V from KSF yesterday. It was immaculate out of the box, especially the blade. That being said, I noticed some small stains had appeared on it after using it to cut cardboard, then slicing up a portobello mushroom, and then washing it with warm water and some basic dish soap. After the box and mushroom cutting, the knife sat for roughly five minutes before I was able to wash it. After washing, I dried the knife off, and noticed some small spots (appear to be rust) on one side, and a small splotch of patina on the other side. This is my first 3V knife, but from everything I've read and have heard, 3V shouldn't behave that way, at least that quickly. As a matter of fact, in a Dutch Bushcraft Knives video, he left his BRK 3V blade out in the rain for an hour, and it didn’t appear to have caused any spotting. I tried to rub the apparent rust spots off with my finger, then my shirt, and then my nail, but they’re still there. I've been able to rub off surface rust on my ESEE's in 1095 before so that is a bit odd.
I've attached some photos for reference – the outdoor photo is right after unboxing, and the indoor pictures are post-use and cleaning. I love the knife, but this very quick reaction to moisture is a bit disconcerting. If you're wondering, those horizontal scratches are from the sheath.
I reached out to KSF last night, and received a prompt response this morning mentioning that apparently it is possible for 3V to rust/patina that quickly, and that if I wanted, I could contact Bark River directly to see if any other customers have had similar issues. I’ve reached out to BRK and am waiting to hear what they have to say.
Curious to hear your thoughts.
I received a brand-new Mini Aurora in 3V from KSF yesterday. It was immaculate out of the box, especially the blade. That being said, I noticed some small stains had appeared on it after using it to cut cardboard, then slicing up a portobello mushroom, and then washing it with warm water and some basic dish soap. After the box and mushroom cutting, the knife sat for roughly five minutes before I was able to wash it. After washing, I dried the knife off, and noticed some small spots (appear to be rust) on one side, and a small splotch of patina on the other side. This is my first 3V knife, but from everything I've read and have heard, 3V shouldn't behave that way, at least that quickly. As a matter of fact, in a Dutch Bushcraft Knives video, he left his BRK 3V blade out in the rain for an hour, and it didn’t appear to have caused any spotting. I tried to rub the apparent rust spots off with my finger, then my shirt, and then my nail, but they’re still there. I've been able to rub off surface rust on my ESEE's in 1095 before so that is a bit odd.
I've attached some photos for reference – the outdoor photo is right after unboxing, and the indoor pictures are post-use and cleaning. I love the knife, but this very quick reaction to moisture is a bit disconcerting. If you're wondering, those horizontal scratches are from the sheath.
I reached out to KSF last night, and received a prompt response this morning mentioning that apparently it is possible for 3V to rust/patina that quickly, and that if I wanted, I could contact Bark River directly to see if any other customers have had similar issues. I’ve reached out to BRK and am waiting to hear what they have to say.
Curious to hear your thoughts.