How to clean Damascus steel blade

[jlecuyer14]

Hello, I am new to knives, and new to this forum. I recently purchased a Damascus steel fixed blade knife from a flea market, but it needs to be cleaned because there are darker areas and a few rust spots on the knife. I'm looking for good ways to brighten the knife up, and to get rid of the rust. I greatly appreciate anybody's opinion

 

[kn4wd]

well, if it is real pattern welded you can polish with sandpaper and re etch it with ferric oxide. but if it is only a etched fake then you will have a shiny plain knife.

 

[jlecuyer14]

Ok thanks! I believe it is real, it's very well made and doesn't look fake, but it appears very aged. I'll post again if I get it clean