Cleaning off surface rust

M

MeanStreaker

Joined
Jan 13, 2006
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Sorry for a rookie question.... what is the easiest way to remove a little surface rust from Case CV steel?

My dad (66 years old) has never carried a pocket knife. I gifted him a Case CV Sodbuster Jr and told him to give it a try for a few weeks. Well, he got hooked and tells me he can't believe how useful it was. Fast forward a bit and I reminded him to bring it with him on their next trip to our place so I could sharpen it for him. He's definitely been using it! It was incredibly dull and has moved slightly past patina into "rust". Now he knows to drop a tad of oil on it now and then. :)

What's the easiest way to remove the spots of surface rust since we've moved a little past patina? Thanks.
 
A scotchbrite pad works pretty good, and you probably have one near the kitchen sink!
 
Bar Keeper's Friend and a damp paper towel. Then (optionally) polish with a metal polish like Flitz, Wenol, Simichrome, Mother's Mag Polish if you want to restore the shine.
 
The above answers work fine.

I just wanted to add.

1. Cool that you got your old man into pocket knives
2. Mineral Oil is food safe and can be bought at the pharmacy as it's used as a laxative. A little on the blade/joint won't get you going though. ;)
 
If it's very light, sometimes I find that a rough bandanna actually works pretty well to just rub it off. This worked great when I was cleaning up a neglected SAK that I bought, but I haven't tried it yet on carbon steel.
 
The easiest way? Spit, and a vigorous rub-down with a paper towel or napkin. :D Do it often. A dry blade is likely to remain rust-free.

-- Mark
 
Firstly it is great gesture for you to gift your dad such a workhorse folder and reading your story. Brought a smile to my face on a not so shiny day.

Ramrodmb said:
A scotchbrite pad works pretty good, and you probably have one near the kitchen sink!
Click to expand...

I use that on my 2 bladed large Case Trapper. Works like a charm. I ad sowing machine oil to my knives.
 
Using steel wool or scotchbrite is basically refinishing the blade. If you don't want to remove the patina, which is protecting the blade, use the knife to put a point on a stick and use the wooden point to remove the rust. A fingernail will work too depending upon where the rust is. A little bit of any type of oil will help remove the rust and oil the blade when done.
 
Dentist probes can work remarkably well at simply removing the offending rust in the pits, then mineral oil. That is, if you don't mind a little "texture".
Thanks, Neal
 
I use wet aluminium foil with the dull side out, it will remove any rust without scratching or damage to the patina.
Scotchbright and Steel wool can scratch the blade.
 
There is a product called a super eraser you can get it off of that South American river site for about $10 it will take care of your problem. I had a collection of seven hand picked chestnut Case xx knives in a display case before I knew to put a bag of rice or a silica pack in the case with the knives and they developed red rust. This thing took it off in no time.
 
I use a small steel brush to get off surface rust. It is great for getting the nail nick clean too:thumbup:
 
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