Help with a knife edge

[TomMartell]

I just picked up a BNIB Yanagiba that arrived today and I noticed some discoloration along the blade.

And I used a magnifying glass to get a closer look.

Is this rust? Wear? Dirt?

Is it something I can polish / buff out or should I be looking to return the knife?

Thanks for any help!

 

[Benuser]

I first would check whether the very edge is concerned. Feel with your nail. Anyway, it should go away with the first stone sharpening. It's common to give a single-bevel a good full sharpening prior to the first use. Often called the opening of the blade. New single-bevels are not ready for use.

 

[TomMartell]

Thank you! This is my first single bevel so I have much to learn.

 

[refcast]

Not a big deal, normal sort of rust to occur. Will go away with sharpening, partial removal with metal polish works too. Rust is just a part of life for non stainless steel knives.

 

[Benuser]

Not a big deal, normal sort of rust to occur. Will go away with sharpening, partial removal with metal polish works too. Rust is just a part of life for non stainless steel knives.

In case it's active common rust — obviously not the case here — phosphoric acid works to turn it into patina, the next oxidation, and stable.
Common rust is orange, and leaves brown-orange stain on your towels.

 

[Benuser]

But first, give it its first sharpening. Don't be overly impressed. It isn't that hard, but there are some basics you should acquire.