What do you think this is

[enrico]

Got this etched blade recently and was curious about these dots. I’ve talked to a few people here already…

Took it through a day banquet prep and most of the etch has worn off but in these random spots, these black dot’s have appeared. I’m very happy with the blade overall but at this price point, I just want to be careful.

Any input on what these may be? I’ve attached 4 photos and 1 video. 2 of the photos are more zoomed into the dots within the patina.

Cheers,
Enrico

 

[crocca86]

I guess better off asking Joe

 

[enrico]

I guess better off asking Joe

I’ve chatted with him a little bit about it. He didn’t seem too concerned. We will keep it touch if it actually becomes a problem.

After talking to a few people about it, I think theres more information to be discovered. If it ends up not being detrimental to the blade, what could it be? I guess it’s just odd to me why those dot’s would be there.

 

[mengwong]

Dissolved etchant / oxide migrates to the center of a droplet region to precipitate? Dynamics described here:

https://www.nature.com/articles/srep10335
Maybe the mechanism isn’t evaporation but something more ionic. Maybe the spots are the “nucleation sites” where, on a different knife, the pitting would have begun.

I look forward to hearing from the folks whose day jobs actually involve metal or chemistry.

 

[enrico]

Dissolved etchant / oxide migrates to the center of a droplet region to precipitate? Dynamics described here:

https://www.nature.com/articles/srep10335
Maybe the mechanism isn’t evaporation but something more ionic. Maybe the spots are the “nucleation sites” where, on a different knife, the pitting would have begun.

I look forward to hearing from the folks whose day jobs actually involve metal or chemistry.

Interesting. I’m curious to hear more.

 

[Jovidah]

Looks reminiscient of corrosion caused by salt.

 

[Benuser]

Looks reminiscient of corrosion caused by salt.

Once dissolved some mustard in vinegar, both for a later vinaigrette and for forcing a patina. Added salt to the one meant for the vinaigrette, but actually used it for the patina, with pitting as a result.