Finally found my HI on my property today

[wildmanh]

A few days to a week soak in Vinegar or Pepsi will remove the rust and give it a nice patina as others have stated. This method is quite popular with people who restore old Axe heads. After the soak, clean the knife with hot soapy water and an sos or scotch bright pad, or wash with the soap and a rag and leave as is.

 

[GregS]

Naval jelly and steel wool for the blade. Scotch brite for the handle. Then boiled linseed oil for the wood.

I agree, naval jelly will break throught that rust and save you a lot of time.

 

[GoodStuff]

Chop down a tree with it. That crud will fall right off.

 

[crimsonfalcon07]

You might also consider throwing down a layer of paste wax or something on the handle, then taping up the handle before you go to work with the chemicals. That will help protect the handle against any unwanted chemicals. I do that fairly frequently when I'm acid etching a knife, for instance.

 

[sweetcostarica]

A few days to a week soak in Vinegar or Pepsi will remove the rust and give it a nice patina as others have stated.

This is unbelievable; Coca-Cola and Vinegar is much better than Pepsi and Vinegar.

 

[Daft Slice 1986]

Awesome advice guys. I bought some naval jelly today, and I'll post pics of the results tomorrow ..if I'm not too hungover. Your suggestions are much appreciated:thumbup:

 

[chazmr]

Yes. You have to post the "after" pictures to let us see how it came out.
Should definitely be a unique patina on the blade!