Gunky knives!!

steve-in-kville

steve-in-kville

Joined
Dec 25, 2001
Messages
1,139
I have a handful of knives that accumulated a layer of gunk on them from use. Most are folders, most traditional and maybe a multi-tool. I want to get them cleaned up and sharpened up. Is there something I could soak them in? I heard of using white vinegar.

Suggestions?
 
Start with warm water and soap and a brush to clean out the knife and joints. Dry with paper towels and use tooth picks to get in the crevices. Then mineral oil to keep it from rusting.... Vinegar is great but it will patina carbon and eventually eat it among other things.
 
Woodrow F Call said:
Start with warm water and soap and a brush to clean out the knife and joints. Dry with paper towels and use tooth picks to get in the crevices. Then mineral oil to keep it from rusting.... Vinegar is great but it will patina carbon and eventually eat it among other things.
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^^agreed^^

Sometimes I add some baking soda to the soap for a very mild abrasive if there's any rust starting, and to neutralize any acids.
 
r8shell said:
^^agreed^^

Sometimes I add some baking soda to the soap for a very mild abrasive if there's any rust starting, and to neutralize any acids.
Click to expand...

That's a pretty good idea. I'll have to remember to add baking soda.
 
Very cool. I've got some folders I need to clean as well. I'll take the advice here and give it a try.
 
I use penetrating oil in the joints and on the rusty blades. I scrape off the tall rust with the side of a putty knife or the edge of a junker knife. Then some fine steel wool.
 
No vinegar!
Acid and steel is not a good combination, even if the steel is stainless.

I like soap and water,
followed by rubbing alcohol to remove the water (use the 90% or 99% rubbing alcohol.) allow to dry
followed by WD-40, wipe dry.
followed by mineral oil.

edited to add:
Let me rephrase that one statement to clarify: "acid and cutlery grade steel is not a good combination."
 
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I recently bought a bunch of new old stock Case knives with CV steel and some of them had both red rust and unwanted patina from storage on the blades. I tried a couple of different metal polishes and they only partially worked. I started researching threads and saw a lot of praise for Flitz metal polish and now I'm a believer that stuff is incredible. It removed all the red rust and patina with a little help from my dremel tool with buffing pads on it. Then I would follow Knarfengs formula. Good luck!
 
all good advice above.
i use the narrow end of a clothespin to clean out the wells.
sewing machine oil or Zoom Spout oil works fine for the joints.

buzz
 
"food safe" only matters if one intends to use the knife for food.
Some folks do. Others don't.
 
Great replies. I have a few Buck folders that are kinda sticky from normal use. Any harm in soaking a knife in soap and water? Provided they are dried and oiled after soaking?
 
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