Thread: When alum meets carbon steel

Originally Posted by shooter74743

I've used alum on my fingertips for years to ensure the my grip without any ill consequences. I'm not saying alum wasn't the culprit, but could it have been the blood?

Probably not the blood. I cleaned up the cut before continuing onward. Also, there was no drops of blood in the lather.

Originally Posted by tiddle

What I mean is the iron in the blood doesn't react and rust, the blade will rust because blood is a liquid holding moisture on the steel.

What about salinity? I am kind of a salty character.

Here Guys,Carbon Blade,cleaned with acetone.Wet alum block,wipe finger on blade,15 mins,done.

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

Here Guys,Carbon Blade,cleaned with acetone.Wet alum block,wipe finger on blade,15 mins,done.

Is that a Puma you sacrificed to prove your point???

I'm sure everyone just took your word for it....

Originally Posted by Ryan82

Is that a Puma you sacrificed to prove your point???

I'm sure everyone just took your word for it....

Yea it's a puma,is also a pce of garbage that was ground down from 5/8 to 3/8 by a former SRP member.
If in doubt of the results,pls do not take my word for it,take any pce of polished steel and try it yourself.

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

If in doubt of the results,pls do not take my word for it,take any pce of polished steel and try it yourself.

Hehe, just hopefully not a razor or other type of family heirloom.

I myself have experienced the tarnishing that can happen on a carbon steel blade from alum but even more so the remnants of a styptic pencil. I have taken to using a small little wet rag or piece of chamois to aid my grip. If I do happen to use a styptic pencil I shave around the area very carefully and ensure to rinse off thoroughly before the next pass.