Q. Cosmoline - how to get it off a blade?

W

wam03

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May 7, 2000
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Guys, I received a very nice knife this week, except the seller dunked the blade in cosmoline. I tried heating the blade under tap water, then applying WD 40. That did nothing. My trusty bottle of "goo gone" doesn't help either. Can someone point me please to something that will actually disolve cosmoline? The stuff wears like iron. Any hints are appreciated!

Bill
 
The traditional cosmoline remover is gasoline. Put some gasoline in a can that is as deep as the blade is long. Cover the can opening with aluminum foil. Stick the blade down through the foil and into the gasoline. Allow to soak for half an hour. Do this outside and away from flames. Kerosene or paint thinner might work.
 
I did a search, and found where someone (DB1) says
Originally posted by DB1
Might want to try GunScrubber by Birchwood-Casey. I have cleaned several surplus guns caked with cosmoline down to the bare metal (no residue) in minutes with this stuff.
Click to expand...
HTH,

Mike
 
Mike and Jeff, thanks! The gasoline suggestion worked great for cleaning the blade!!! For some reason, gasoline isn't working real well to clean the brass hilt. I'll get GunScrubber and try it on the hilt. Excellent suggestions that are very much appreciated. Why someone would use cosmoline on a double-edged stainless-steel blade is beyond me.

Thanks again,
Bill
 
You might try carb cleaner or break cleaner. It's much cheaper than gunscrubber. You can find carb cleaner at Auto Zone for about $1 a can. I use it to clean guns.
 
Alonzo, thanks! I just talked to a friend in the auto business that said exactly the same thing. I'll get some brake cleaner and hopefully get rid of this dried on crud for good.

Thanks guys for the excellent help!

Bill
 
I've used kerosene to remove cosmoline on guns.
 
I just used dish detergent and LOTS of elbow grease. I'll have to give the brake cleaner a try next time.
Matt
 
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