I have posted several pictures on the 165 thread, but at the behest of a friend, so as to not take that thread over with one blade, I decided to re-post the pictures here so anyone interested could see the progression. I am done working on it, and I think it turned out all right.
Before:
I worked on the blade and handle with 0000 steel wool.
The Handle: I worked only very lightly on the handle for fear of removing the color. I tried to concentrate only on the deeper grooves to remove the oxidation but stopped work on the handle almost as soon as I started.
I then moved to a stiff toothbrush and Turtle Wax rubbing compound followed by polishing compound.
The blade: It took significant effort with the steel wool. I also used 600 wet and 2000 wet sandpaper to remove some of the more stubborn rust. Again, the idea was not to buff out the blade but to simply remove the rust.
Here are pictures after that step:
The back half of the handle had suffered the worst because of fading over the years. After consulting a friend I decided to try something I had never tried on Delrin before, stain, specifically shoe polish. (I hope no one cringed.)
I used three colors; cordovan, brown, and a touch of black, depending on the surrounding remaining original color. I applied a light amount, melted it gently with a lighter, taking care not to affect the delrin, and buffed. I have rubbed the finished product but am unable to remove any color with my finger or with a rag. Here are the final photos:
Before:
I worked on the blade and handle with 0000 steel wool.
The Handle: I worked only very lightly on the handle for fear of removing the color. I tried to concentrate only on the deeper grooves to remove the oxidation but stopped work on the handle almost as soon as I started.
I then moved to a stiff toothbrush and Turtle Wax rubbing compound followed by polishing compound.
The blade: It took significant effort with the steel wool. I also used 600 wet and 2000 wet sandpaper to remove some of the more stubborn rust. Again, the idea was not to buff out the blade but to simply remove the rust.
Here are pictures after that step:
The back half of the handle had suffered the worst because of fading over the years. After consulting a friend I decided to try something I had never tried on Delrin before, stain, specifically shoe polish. (I hope no one cringed.)
I used three colors; cordovan, brown, and a touch of black, depending on the surrounding remaining original color. I applied a light amount, melted it gently with a lighter, taking care not to affect the delrin, and buffed. I have rubbed the finished product but am unable to remove any color with my finger or with a rag. Here are the final photos:
I had a LOT of fun working on it. I paid just under $20 and figured what the heck, even if I screw it up it'll make a heck of a nice kitchen knife. Better than its Chinese cousin for about the same dollar.
lol...