Another should I restore this knife thread

[sh0tyme83]

Hey all-

Figured I need some expert help on this. I've never been that into knives. I always carry a knife when I'm out fishing but not on an everyday basis. Anywho, I have a knife my grandfather gave me from WW2 and I would like some feed back on whether I should do some restorative work to this knife. My grandfather was a Seabee during the war stationed somewhere in Japan, so he had almost any machine he needed available to him while overseas. The story gramps used to tell me (mind you, I have no idea if this is true or not) was the blade was the bayonet from his M1 carbine and the handle, he machined out of metal off a Japanese Zero they shot down one day. Right when he got back from the war, he sold anything he brought back other than this knife. He left it sitting in his tool box in his garage for many many years before giving it to me. The blade is pretty rusty and pitted. I was thinking about just hitting it with some steel wool and then some olive oil to protect it.

To my knowledge, I think this is the only knife like this around. Let me know what you think. Also, if you have ideas as to if he could have made this knife, I'd appreciate it as this would definitely raise the sentimental value for me.

Thanks,

Matt

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[Morrow]

This is what we call a "theatre knife". If it were mine, I would gently take care of the rust and that's about it.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/797510-Military-fixed-blade-theater-knives

 

[sh0tyme83]

Hey Morrow-

Thanks, I got something to read about now. In terms of taking care of the rust, just steel wool and olive like i mentioned or should I do something alittle harsher to remove any pitting too?

 

[Spey]

Personally, I would side more towards the "gently" side of things. You're are not going to "remove" the pitting, as that metal is gone. That rust (oxidation) got there from decades of time, don't be too quick to make it look pretty. Use of acids (lemon juice, vinegar, etc.) may be referenced, but these will all eat away at the base layers of metal also. Electrolysis might be a better method than than acid based "cleaners" and or abrasives, as it removes the oxygen from the oxidized metal, transforming the surface rust back into metallic iron. Sent you a visitor message in case you would like to discuss options further.

In general, I would suggest storing the knife in dry controlled environment (too bad it spent so many years in a garage toolbox ..., but we can not turn back time), and enjoying what it is - a great story for sure.

Regards,

 

[Fred.Rowe]

A few treatments with Naval Jelly will remove the majority of rust without the need to use sandpaper or steel wool. Most hardware stores carry it.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Scrub the blade with steel wool-dry. Then soak the blade in WD 40. Let it sit for a few days. Wipe it dry. Scrub with 0000 steel wool again-dry. Soak with WD 40 and wipe dry.
Leave the olive oil in the kitchen. Use WD 40, gun oil, or mineral oil on the blade to protect from further rust.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Personally, I would side more towards the "gently" side of things. You're are not going to "remove" the pitting, as that metal is gone. That rust (oxidation) got there from decades of time, don't be too quick to make it look pretty. Use of acids (lemon juice, vinegar, etc.) may be referenced, but these will all eat away at the base layers of metal also. Electrolysis might be a better method than than acid based "cleaners" and or abrasives, as it removes the oxygen from the oxidized metal, transforming the surface rust back into metallic iron. Sent you a visitor message in case you would like to discuss options further.

In general, I would suggest storing the knife in dry controlled environment (too bad it spent so many years in a garage toolbox ..., but we can not turn back time), and enjoying what it is - a great story for sure.

Regards,

Sorry, but electrolysis will remove base metal also. And it doesn't "transform surface rust back into metallic iron."

 

[Spey]

@Bill DeShivs

RE: your comments
[/QUOTE]<
Sorry, but electrolysis will remove base metal also. And it doesn't transform surface rust back into metallic iron. <br/>

I suppose everyone's mileage varies. Rather than attempt debate, perhaps a little research into the process may illustrate positive potential options previously mentioned.

Example link related to restoration of old Axe heads:
http://www.bestmadeprojects.com/post/16468549298/axe-restoration-redux-electrolysis-rust

and a little bit on electrolytic derusting here:
http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/rust/electrolytic_derusting.htm

Regards,
Chris

 

[sh0tyme83]

Thanks guys. Great advice. I'm going to stop by my local hardware store today and pick up some supplies.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Spey- I'm quite familiar with electrolysis. You simply don't understand what they are saying-which is that the process leaves bright metal.
And, electrolysis does remove material-even after rust is gone. This is how it leaves bright metal.
The process is simply electroplating, with the work as the cathode rather than the anode.
Since I do cutlery restoration for a living, I feel qualified to comment.
Scrubbing the blade with 0000 steel wool will remove no metal-only rust.