Need help restoring knives

[Cisco Kid]

I have a few knives and other tools left by my grandfather. He was a leather worker for the Army and left me some of his tools. The tools are mostly handmade by him and have sentimental value. Unfortunately, I was careless and they are now rusty and some of the wooden handles have cracked. I would like to restore them to a point where they can be placed in a display case. I don't want to use a power tool, but need to remove rust and polish them a little without removing the patina and cause more damage to the handles. The tools are made of some unknown steel, with brass fittings and wooden handles. Please give me good advise to carry this restoration. What products should I use and what shouldn't I do?

Thanks.

 

[catspa]

CK, I'd start out with 4/0 steel wool and a little Hoppes #9, like for guns, to remove light surface rust. See where that gets you, and if you need more aggressive treatment, scotchbrite pads come in a range of grits. Try each coarser grit on an inconspicuous area first to see if it's too harsh.

I have two hammers from my grandfather, both of which I've rehandled, and I use them often and think of him.

Parker