Most of the time just some oil and a bit of care will do it, but carbon steel will always develop a patina. If sr77 just surface browns and doesn't pit, the rust will naturally protect the steel deeper in as oxygen can't then get to it.. The tang is well protected by the black coat and res-C so I figure my DF will see me into the grave and some (and I'm not that old!) <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />