Decarb and rusting

[mitch8]

Is there any decarb or change in compositions when a piece of steel rusts? I was just wondering if I rusty
Piece of steel can be restored to its original glory after its been badly rusted.

Mitch

 

[brets-ftw]

Red pitting rust is Fe2O3, a darker surface, non-pitting rust called a "patina" is Fe2O4 and possible some other additives pending what caused the patina, (vinegar, citric acid, whatever else you cut that had a ph balance of <7)

You can restore a blade but the rust won't turn back to usable steel, we're not alchemists here lol. Just let it sit in a container of vinegar and let it do its thing. Scrub off after a couple days and you should a relatively fresh blade, lots of patina on it though, so take it through some Sandpaper grits

 

[mitch8]

i understand that i was just wondering if the steel underneath the rest and patina is affected in any way?

 

[Skimo]

Nope, the steel remains completely the same, the change is visible in the form of rust, corrosion or patina. So if it looks like steel, it is.

 

[mitch8]

Thanks guys! Now I know that if I've got the time an old hatchet is always worth it.