new foil blades getting rusty

[botmer]

I bought a new Uhlmann electric blade, standard not FIE, a few months ago, I've used it a few times so far and it's getting too rusty all along the blade. I don't keep my foils in a humid place or so, so I don't see why it gets rusty. I noticed it last time I went to a local competition, I used it, but I saw it too rusty. What to do with rusty blades? Is it true that only FIE blades won't rust?
Another question, this same foil blade got slightly bent upwards in a bout, I still can't put it straight again, what can I do?

<small>[ 08-19-2002, 12:49 PM: Message edited by: botmer ]</small>

[Catal]

Constantly touching the blade will cause it to rust, as well. The acids and salts from the oil in your skin acts as the rusting agent. Take 220 or 320 grit sandpaper, and use that to remove the rust. If you want to be thorough, use some Brasso to get rid of the oxidation on the blade. If the particular metal your blade is made of is prone to rusting (like most high carbon steele) you're going to need to wipe off your blade each time you touch it.

[engardemisami]

If you put your sweat drenched uniform in the same bag as the foil as I do, they will get the humidity you are trying to avoid too. In my case, I bought some 1/2'' plastic pvc pipes cut to the length of the foil and use it as a cover for the blade. This also prevents the rust from getting to your nice white uniform. As soon as I get home, I open up the bag and hang or wash all the wet items.

[neevel]

In a period of even moderately humid, warm summer weather, there's often nothing you can do to prevent a layer of surface rust from forming on a carbon steel fencing blade that's getting handled regularly. A quick rub-down with a Scotch-Brite pad or fine sanding sponge will clean it up (a wire-wheel on a bench grinder will do the most thorough job). For spare blades that aren't being used, applying a thin layer of light oil (sewing machine oil or gun oil is idea, though plain 3-in-1 will do in a pinch) will prevent rusting while in storage.

It's the high nickel content that makes maraging steel blades very resistant (though not completely proof) to rust.

-Dave