how to clean gunk off a blade

S

Sam Hurley

Joined
Oct 17, 2003
Messages
36
So there I am, trying to break my new 15 inch AK (unsuccessful so far), and I get some sticky gunk all over the blade. It's dried up pine tree sap with dirt and ash and bark and who knows what else in it. Does anyone know how do get this stuff off my baby? I wouldn't feel right putting all that filth back into the scabbard.

Sam
 
I just use whatever i've got laying around.
Everything listed there should be good.

If you don't have any acetone - here's a hint: nail polish remover has a good content of this usually.

Rubbing alcohol would probably work also.
Soap and water, and a lotta elbow grease. =)
 
For a satin finished blade I'd use scotchbrite soap and water. I don't like toxic stuff like acteone on my blades. Dunno why but I don't.

For the mirror polish a toothbrush and soap and water. Scotchbrite would mess up the surface. Will 0000 steel wool mess up the surface?

For my teeth I use acetone and mineral spirits. :rolleyes:
 
If there was ever a good reason to get a buffer...this would be it.

A buffing wheel loaded with white compound will not only remove the gunk, but restore the mirror finish as well. :cool:

That's not an option for everybody, but for those that have been tempted...it works wonders.
 
Sam:

I had a similar debate myself a while back over which chemical or machine I should use to remove an ungawdly amount of residue on one of my khuks. Then I spotted a Brillo pad next to the scrub sink and 20 seconds later the problem was solved. You have to dry it off with a towel afterwards, but there is no smelly/flammable rags to deal with.
 
Originally posted by BruiseLeee
For a satin finished blade I'd use scotchbrite soap and water. I don't like toxic stuff like acteone on my blades. Dunno why but I don't.

For the mirror polish a toothbrush and soap and water. Scotchbrite would mess up the surface. Will 0000 steel wool mess up the surface?

For my teeth I use acetone and mineral spirits. :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

I'd rather use acetone over anything that scratches, however little.
Just personal pref..
I don't think common chemicals (like the ones listed so far) are that much of an issue when they're just used for a few minutes, and flushed with plenty of water right after.
 
Isopropyl alcohol
[90%+ if you can get it]
&
Non-abrasive scrubby

Dissolves the pine pitch faster than turp or ethyl alcohol.
 
Tried the mineral spirits, tried the paint thinner, tried the WD-40 and some silicone spray. I almost tried the pressure washer. In the end, mom's acetone nail polish remover did the trick! Clean and shiny! Ah, acetone. One of the three great problem solvers of the world. (the other two being duct tape and HI khukuris) :)

Sam
 
I've had my best luck with alcohol and the polish remover. Had very llittle luck with any thing else. I even got brave and used a bit of gasoline once and it did very little good.:) :)
 
I get pine pitch on my AK all the time. Whatever doesn't wipe off with a damp cloth gets left on, keeps the scabbard smelling fresh. :)
 
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