Best way to remove light rust from HC steel blade?

[jimh0220]

So I have me a nice custom 'bushcraft' (man, that hurt to type) blade that picked up a little rust while stored in its leather sheath (yeah, I know I did 2 faux pas, storing it in leather, and not oiling it frequently). This is not patina, more like little rust dots. What's the best method for removal without scratching the crap out of the satin finish?

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

WD-40 and some fine steel wool (#0000) should take care of the red-spotting (might still leave dark/black oxide spots, which won't harm anything). Might even work with a paper towel or a clean rag, if the spotting is very light & shallow. Let the WD-40 soak a bit, before rubbing. Some metal polish (Flitz/Simichrome) would also do it, though it might leave some 'brighter' spots on the satin finish (not scratched, just more shiny).


David

 

[CWL]

Yep. Oil and paper towel, or 0000 steel wool. I wouldn't use polish as it will put shiny patches on your knife.

Just take your time and work on a a few minutes every day if it all doesn't come off at once. All should be gone by day 3-5 if it is stubborn rust.

When you are done, coat the blade with wax, Renaissance Wax, car wax, Johnsons Paste Wax, (put it on wood grips, put some on the leather sheath). That will seal & protect the steel better than oils will because it will stay in place.