52100 Steel Care

[Webs]

It's been awhile since I posted on forums-I hope that many of you had a chance to attend the Blade Show-I really wanted to go this year, it being the 25th anniversary, etc., but couldn't do it. I guess I'll have to read about in Blade again. Oh well.

I had a question about cleaning 52100 steel, and I thought that I might get the best advice here. I recently bought a "new" old Marble's Skinner that as most of you know is no longer being made. Unfortunately, it was stored in it's sheath, and there is evidence of slight rusting, old finger prints, and perhaps some pitting.

I was wondering what would be the best way to clean up the blade with a minimum of scratching, etc.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Webs

 

[Ed Caffrey]

I create a lot of 52100 blades. What I recommend to my customers IF the blade gets light rust on it is to use flitz or semichrome and #0000 steel wool. Apply a small amount of the polish, then scrub it down with the steel wool. Clean the blade well with a soft cloth, then apply a light coat of automotive paste wax.

Pitting is another story. If you wish to get rid of it, depending on the depth of the pits, it may require some hand sanding and refinishing.

 

[USAFSP]

52100 is some good stuff. I had a Nealy made of it and was more than happy with it. Takes a little bit to take care of it but well worth it in the end.

 

[Webs]

Thanks Ed and USAFSP for your replies. Ed, I've got the steel wool, now I've just got to get the Simichrome. I've got another old Marble's Hunter that is 52100, and I've got to tell ya, I'm pretty impressed with this steel. It just seems to have quite a "bite" to it. One of these days, I'd like to be able to afford a custom blade with 52100.
I'll let you know how the Skinner cleans up. Thanks again.