BonPacific Posted March 8, 2017 Report Share Posted March 8, 2017 Somewhat inspired by @OldSouthWoodCraft's question. I've always wondered if you could make a guess as to the quality or carbon-content of steel by the rust pattern? Different steels clearly rust differently, from heavy pitting to a thin surface coat of hard rust. I know there are even steels designed for building siding in which the rust acts as a protective layer much like the chromium oxide on Stainless. For instance, I've got axe heads and mauls which had been left out in the elements for years, and they never show anything more than a thin surface coat of rust. While mild-steel bar stock will start pitting and falling apart. Maybe someone with more metallurgical knowledge than I could answer this? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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