how can you clean rust from a knife blade?

[philman1977]

How is the best way to clean rust from a knife blade? I have several that have rust and i want to clean them but i do not want ruin them. Taht is why i am asking you guys

 

[rifon2]

Depends on how much rust there is.

If there's only a small amount, you can try dishsoap like Dawn and a 3M pad.

If that doesn't do it, you can try the dishsoap with 0000 "Final Finish" steel wool.

If that doesn't do it, try a polish like Flitz or Simichrome with the 0000 "Final Finish" steel wool.

 

[T.K.C.]

I have used Flitz to remove rust on knives.

 

[MORIMOTOM]

also consider what type of finish the blade has.

for a satin/polished blade, flitz or another metal polish is the way to go.

for a bead blast, using polish will smooth the finish and be uneven unless you polish the whole thing.

for bead blast, i would try some wd40 or perhaps clp.

 

[carrot]

Flitz has worked great for me.

 

[Absintheur]

As said depends on the finish but 0000 steel wool and a good oil will get the majority off. I have been cleaning a Marbles Expert blade I found in the bottom of a garage sale tackle box. I am 90% finished and am down to jewelers rouge finishing it up before I re-handle it.

 

[MRpink]

I think vinegar works, but it will leave a patina as well. Maybe someone who knows more can chime in.

 

[rifon2]

also consider what type of finish the blade has.

for a satin/polished blade, flitz or another metal polish is the way to go.

for a bead blast, using polish will smooth the finish and be uneven unless you polish the whole thing.

for bead blast, i would try some wd40 or perhaps clp.

Great point re: the different finishes

 

[LowTEC]

club soda will do the trick with no consequences, and it's cheap :thumbup:

 

[Absintheur]

oh...and of course there is the old standby, Naval Jelly and another product called Evapo-Rust is supposed to be excellent. These are for heavy rust btw.

http://www.theruststore.com/

 

[mariobab]

I use steel wool and oil.Tramontina machetes rust readily so I do it a lot.

 

[Cougar Allen]

Let’s see if we can find the right forum …

 

[keyfit]

How is the best way to clean rust from a knife blade? I have several that have rust and i want to clean them but i do not want ruin them. Taht is why i am asking you guys

I've found brass wool to be good and it doesn't scratch the finish like steel wool does. Also, someone mentioned Naval Jelly, I would be careful as it can etch the blade.

 

[gud4u]

Tarnite (Ace Hardware or web-order) is excellent for removing rust, particularly if you do not want to use an abrasive. Active ingredient is oxalic acid, which chemically digests oxides without attacking the underlying metal.

There is a mild abrasive (about like toothpaste) in the mix. The abrasive will settle in the can - don't shake the can if you don't want to use the abrasive.

It's also an excellent tarnish remover for other metals, the best tarnish remover I've used for silver, copper, etc.

Hope this helps!

 

[rifon2]

I've found brass wool to be good and it doesn't scratch the finish like steel wool does.

0000 Final Finish steel wool won't scratch the finish.

 

[carrot]

Oh, I forgot one. Toothpaste works on light rust in a pinch.

 

[Theodoric]

Wasn't there a thread about dissolving rust with molasses?