Best way to remove pitting?

[The Highlander]

Good afternoon from Scotland,i'm a newbie though have visited occasionally.I'm looking forward to some chat with like minded people but first i need some help.Could someone tell me (or point me in the right direction to) the best way to attempt to remove pitting from an old Bowie?A quick overview would suffice.Many thanks.

 

[HOGCAT]

Well, I am not a pro. But the only way I know is to grind (heavy pits) or sand (light pits) away.

 

[rebeltf]

Howdy Highlander ! I am no expert , I recently bought an older Bowie as well , light rust but heavy pitting in places and ugly scratches from a file I guess , maybe a grinder....
I cleaned it up till bright and shiny using wire wheel and verious grits of paper but those pits are down deep ! I finally decided that I wouldnt get those out with some very serious metal removal that might actually weaken the blade , so I just cold Blued it instead , that and some polisihng of he brass and a new handle made a pretty unique looking antique sort os Bowie IMHO.
If your going to try emery cloth or sand paper route , I would use something hard , like maybe wrapping each piece around a file and using that to polish it , use an oil as well to help cut the metal.
Good luck man.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Hello,I'm the mid-Atlantic commissioner for the Elliott Clan Society.(Kilt wearin' American born Scott).You can use a hardwood sanding block and sand the pits out with a little time and elbow grease.Start with 120 grit wet or dry paper and work your way up to 600 grit.(Up to 2000 grit if you want a good shine).Go slow and stroke from guard to point.Be careful,it will get sharp as you sand.
Yours Aye, Stacy Elliott Apelt

 

[Kim Breed]

You didn't say how old of a bowie. It might not be a good idea to ruin any collector value. wipe it down with oil and Identify it first. If no $$$$$ value clean it up with sandpaper coarse to fine. it will take time.
The pits give old bowies charactor.