Cleaning up a few Kar98k Bayonets

[wayoutofsync]

Hi guys, I just picked up a pair of Kar 98k bayonets the other night (at a great price, I might add!) and am wondering if I'd be able to clean them up a bit without damaging them or their value. I was going to put some oil on it to prevent further rusting and whatnot, but would really like to be able to get the thicker rust off and clean them up a little bit. Any and all suggestions/input would be greatly appreciated!

One is a 44cvl with matching numbers, and 1940 dated frog. The other is a very cut down (perhaps to serve as a fighting knife?) 44cqh, also with matching numbers. I've read that 44cqh's are some of the rarest produced under the Third Reich, which certainly made me happy!

There are a few spots of thicker surface rust (as seen below) that I believe I could get off without damaging them, but am still apprehensive about this.

 

[richard j]

i would try some wd40 and some 0000 steel wool.

 

[diff_lock2]

Soak in oxalic acid.

All you need to do is mix a few ounces of Oxalic acid in a large tub of water, and soak the parts for 12-36 hours.

 

[ConBon]

To keep the value, DO NOT REFURBISH THEM. I would certaintly not do it to the field modified 44cqh, as it is an intresting and valuable piece. The longer bayonet could stand to be restored, as it is not as valuable or unique as the 44cqh. I would end up refurbing the longer one, and keeping the 44cqh to sell or donate to a museum.