Cleaning old, dirty knives

[greatlydisturbed]

Hello all,

I have some knives that are in some seriously nasty shape. These are knives given to me for free from people I known through the years, but they are pretty disgusting, rust spots, weird blade discolorations, grinding when they open, you all get the idea. I have neglected them but for some reason kept them around.

Most of them are cheap blades (I assume) and all are folders. I got some Pakistan knives, one Kamp-King knife, two Frontier Double Edge knifes (actually they are both regular one sides blades), two knives by Frontier with puke yellow handles and multiple blade styles.

What surprised me was one knife by sears labeled Craftsman and a slim, all steel Buck with only 521 V on it. These seem to be the only knives worth keeping. Most of them are garbage I would like to use for practice on a new sharpening rig I made, but are grungy enough I would never let touch my stones. What do you suggest I use to clean these knives to their best capabilities? Methods? Chemicals? Sacrifice to Crom for the riddle of clean steel?

I appreciate any help, thank you.

 

[The Mastiff]

I've yet to encounter any pakistani made knives with worthwhile steel or heat treat. Don't waste your time on those. The others? It all depends on your time and desire to clean up knives that to a lot of people aren't worth it.

I've done it before though for something to do, though they are usually old family knives with significance but no real value to ruin.

Good sandpaper, oils & solvents etc to begin with. I like some of the 3M wet/dry papers. I typically end up no more than 2000 grit, working my way up the old, long way.For just light spots or marks on the blade simple metal polishes might suffice. Most of the old ones typically have pitting, which requires removing steel. Yes, there are easier ways with power tools. Good luck and enjoy. Joe

 

[IVANKERLEY]

Crom will not help you But guys here might.
First i would use just WD40 and 000-0000 Steel wool that will go along way in cleaning them up and getting rid of the gunk, blades discolor especially Carbon steel and that is to be expected, rust is not. I wouldnt use the sandpaper unless nothing else works.
when i buy a gunked up old knife at a flea market i do the following:
1) wd-40 (alot of it) 000 Steel wool, wipe and gently scrub
2) repeat step 1
3) Mineral oil the joint and a light coat on the blade
4) Carry them

most times the knife will improve with a little bit of care and use:thumbup:
good luck to ya
ivan
"what is steel compared to the hand that wields it?"