Why does elk blood ruin knives?

Utahn · Oct 14, 2003

I helped a friend gut His cow elk down by mount pleasent and when I got home to do a more thurough wash job on the knife. The Water took off the finish were the blood was stuck to the knife. I know of another friend that had the same thing happen. The knives are not cheapies and the blood was on the knife for no more than 2 hrs. Why?

ktc · Oct 14, 2003

This should not happen. I have never heard of this. My knives have never been affected by blood. The knife was either cheaper than you thought or defective. Send it back or buy a new one. Where on the knife did the finish come off?

oldoregon · Oct 14, 2003

that is really strange, maybe the elk had a disease or something, it was it on the handle, that is possible, or mybe it didnt hurt the finish, it just left a residue on it?

Later Yall!!!!

monroemtnshedfreak · Oct 14, 2003

That is really odd. I have never heard of that either. I bet the finish on the blade was just bad or something. That has never happened to me.

heartshot · Oct 14, 2003

Did it take off the finish or did the uncovered part just tarnish a bit?

Utahn · Oct 14, 2003

One knife was a case and the other a buck, the blood tarnished the blade. I know this seems weird.

Blank · Oct 14, 2003

Very high Carbon content, softer steel knife blades will tarnish and turn black occassionally with almost any liquid left on them. Blood is especially bad. They generally clean up with a greenie or light abrasive paste. Schrades are noted for black blades. Custom knives and Bucks with extremely hard stainless blades usually are fine.

2_Point · Oct 15, 2003

Great post. I have always wondered why elk blood tarnishes my knives also. I have a Schrade, a Buck and a Browning. All knives do tarnish some. I must say my Schrade tarnishes the worst, but it is definatley the best knife I have ever owned.

Good Info