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Graphite as a cookware coating?

I searched for several hours to discover an answer to this without any success.

I purchased an inexpensive iron wok in a small store in Honolulu's Chinatown. I later discovered it was coated with what appears to be a hand-rubbed coating of graphite. It has no manufacturer or country of origin stamped anywhere on it. Is this a "non-stick coating" process used in some third-world countries? Is this wok safe to use, and is there a good way to remove or stabilize the graphite coating? The rubbed coating of graphite blackens anything used to wipe it clean and would blacken any food.


The iron appeared forged in a primitive way with tiny microcracks visible all over it, which made it attractive and reminded me of ones I had used at a camp in Borneo, and I'd hate to just discard it, but the more serious issue, if it is unsafe, is that there are quite a few of these still available that will be sold to others. I've found that getting that graphite coating off is no small matter.

Ed Nuhfer
Buyer, Consumer - Camarillo, California, USA
2007

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Are you sure it's graphite rather than charcoal residue?

Graphite isn't considered a health hazard by OSHA except if inhaled as dust. It's not listed as either safe (GRAS) or prohibited by the FDA. As activated carbon can be used as a poison antidote, my guess is charcoal is safe and graphite probably so.

Try rubbing with vegetable oil to clean.

Ken Vlach [deceased]
- Goleta, California
Finishing.com honored Ken for his countless carefully researched responses. He passed away May 14, 2015.
Rest in peace, Ken. Thank you for your hard work which the finishing world, and we at finishing.com, continue to benefit from.
2007

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Thanks for trying to help. I had hopes before I posted that the coating was charcoal, but it has the slick feel and shine of graphite on all it rubs on. I've tried dishwashers and olive oil--it is relentlessly stuck, but comes out a little at a time in oil hot enough to cook with. It doesn't just clean off though. At least I don't feel so badly for not finding an answer before I posted.
Ed

Ed Nuhfer
- Camarillo, California, USA
2007