Among other things, Great Eastern Cutlery knives are known for their traditional patterns, like Stockman knives, and for the fact that GEC makes them with 1095 steel blades. 

This is an affordable alloy and a tough one, one that will hold an edge reasonably well while still being fairly easy to resharpen.

Especially considering the low price of 1095, there are a lot of positive attributes. There is one thing it most certainly is not, though, and that is stainless.

This means also that you can force a patina on these knives if you so choose. Here’s what to know.

Forcing a Patina 

A patina is a blackish, bluish or brownish discoloration of non-stainless steel that occurs when it oxidizes under control in a relatively low-oxygen environment. It is different from rust, or “red” rust (a patina is “black rust”) because a patina, once established, will actually help prevent rust from forming on the blade. 

You can also force a patina to develop on the blade in any of numerous ways. Here are just a few. 

• Cut high-acid fruits and vegetables, like tomatoes, potatoes, apples, or pickles, and leave the juice on the blade for a few minutes before rinsing it off.
• Use the blade to cut raw meat like chicken and let it sit for five minutes before rinsing it. 
• Stick the blade in high-acid condiments like mustard or mayonnaise and let it sit there for 5 minutes before wiping, rinsing and drying the blade. 
• Wrap the blade in paper towels that have been soaked with warm vinegar, let it sit for five minutes, then rinse and dry.

These are just a few of the more effective (not to mention quick) ways to get a Great Eastern Cutlery pocket knife to develop a patina. There are others but these are by far the fastest and most accessible for most people. 

Don’t Want to Force a Patina? 

Here’s the good news: while you can absolutely force a patina if you so choose, one will also naturally form on the blade as you use it. So keep that in mind. 

How to Keep Rust at Bay

In the event that you use your Great Eastern Cutlery pocket knife a lot and it doesn’t have a patina established, you should also take active steps to keep the knife free and clear of rust. 

The first thing is being conscientious of where you use the knife. Avoid marine environments if possible and never fold the blade wet under any circumstances. It will be rusted when you open it again and it might even seize in place. 

Always clean and dry the blade before folding and storing the knife. Also, a good habit to get into is to oil the blades after every time you clean the knife. A drop of oil on either side of each blade and one where the blade pivots will help protect it against rust formation. 

Otherwise, store the knife in a cool, dry (emphasis on dry) location and that should be all you need to do to keep rust at bay, especially if you’ve already formed a patina on the blade.

Where to Get a New Great Eastern Cutlery Knife

In the market for a new Great Eastern Cutlery traditional pocket knife? If you don’t have one yet, check out The Knife Connection and pick one up there. They carry a wide range of different patterns and also represent other great brands like Case. Check out their website and get in touch with them if you have any questions before buying.

For more information About Karesuando Knives and Lionsteel please visit: The Knife Connection.