Damascus with 5160 and 15n20 rust?

[wissler]

I am just wondering if Damascus made with 5160 and 15n20 will rust?

If so,
What is the best oil/protectant I should be keeping on this knife blade? and, Should it be stored in a leather sheath, or not?

Thanks,
Wissler

[kuch]

wissler, all steel will rust at some level. If it has iron ,it will oxidize.... even "stainless"  .that being said, I coat with a thin film of oil or Renaisance wax. this covers the steel ..slowing the oxidizing process . I try not to store i n a sheath.  if you do keep in a sheath, I would oil more liberally or thin oil ,wrap blade with saran wrap then in sheath.  tried to keep this short and not a chemistry class

[Lamey]

If damascus is etched and or blued/parkerized after etch, then you do your final sanding just to brighten up the top rust will be a virtual non issue... and it will have some serious constrast.

[Bladepeek]

Let's face it. Even a blued gun will rust. Just leave some sweaty finger prints on it and put it away for awhile. Having said that, I've never had one rust, but I always wash it off with soap and water and then re-oil or re-wax before putting it away.