I think I just ruined my sword

K

koumori

Joined
Sep 5, 2006
Messages
1
Please help. I believe I have ruined my sword.

I have a sword (katana), custom built (not terribly expensive, chinese forged steel, but I love it), for iaido, and, having forgotten to clean it last time I used it, I noticed a little bit of rust on the blade. I went to a shop and asked for a product that removed rust. I got HG (Hagesan) rust remover. I was told it would not damage the steel. I cleaned the sword with it and left the product on for about 10 minutes (the flask said "leave on for anywhere between 10 minutes and a few days), then rinsed as it said on the flask and now the blade has turned blackish/rainbowy. The flask says the product contains phosphoric acid. How do I fix this?
 
Sounds like they gave you a general rust removal product which is intended for gardening tools, nuts and bolts, etc. If the rust is light and not too extensive, I usually use a high quality slightly abrasive metal polish like Maas, and a good bit of elbow grease. Your sword may not be ruined though, a swordsmith or knifemaker might be able to refinish it for you.
 
Don't panic. The discoloration will come off with fine steel wool or Scotchbrite. :cool:
 
Flitz is a great idea especially if the blade has a polished finish. You can get it at a gunshop.
 
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