Cleaning Zytel?

[wardcleaver]

I just bought a 40 +/- year old, Orange Zytel Gerber LST folder. It has a bit of what looks like ground in dirt on edges of the handle, and the color is dull. I realize the knife is old, but would like to clean and brighten it up as much as possible.

I've tried hot Dawn soap and water, hand sanitizer, Fantastic Scrubbing Bubbles, Weapon Shield and finally Ballistol.

The knife itself is in great condition, and I can live with that, but...

Any ideas??

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Make a thick paste of Dawn, water and baking soda. Scrub it in with your fingers. Rinse.

 

[wardcleaver]

Thanks Bill, I'll give that a whirl and report back after I get some baking soda.
Sounds like you would recommend against scrubbing with a soft toothbrush to get in the nooks and crannies.

 

[wardcleaver]

I just got done scrubbing it. The paste removed some of the stuff, but it still shows darker on the sharper edge lines. The finish might be a bit duller, but overall it looks better. I rinsed very thoroughly, dried with paper towel and will douse with ballistol when its finished air drying. Hopefully that should brighten up the orange a bit.
Thanks again.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Thanks Bill, I'll give that a whirl and report back after I get some baking soda.
Sounds like you would recommend against scrubbing with a soft toothbrush to get in the nooks and crannies.

Oh, you can use a toothbrush, too. Scrubbing with your fingers gets the smooth parts clean.

 

[wardcleaver]

Thanks for clarifying