A mistake I made with a non-RMK knife, with an O1 tool steel blade.

I had a note with it printed on plain computer printer paper.

In a zipper case for about a year.

Pulled it out and the side of the blade in contact with the paper is totally rusted.

Chemicals in whatever comes into contact with steel will affect the steel.

That includes so-called stainless steels...left in sheaths thinking they will not react to whatever chemicals are in the leather. Stainless deserves wiping down with a Sentry Tuff Cloth or other surface protection just in case.

Flitz and Simichrome both can help to restore the surface but will not remove true pits.

Also, depending on the nature of the rust...4-O or 0000 steel wool and gun oil are used to clean light rust from blued guns, without taking off the bluing. Again, this will not remove true pits in the steel but will clear off superficial rust.

Larry