red stuff in the grooves

[DannyinJapan]

I have found some red stuff, its waxy in consistency, in the grooves of my hi khukuri.
Im sure its not rust, is it a preservative or buffing compound?

 

[ferguson]

It's red rouge buffing compound. You can clean it out of the metal with a toothbrush and some polishing compound or solvent like mineral spirits. If it's on a horn handle, you can use the toothbrush with soap and water. If on wood, a toothbrush and anything made to clean wood. In the US there is a product called Murphy's Oil Soap. Or you could even use mineral spirits (paint thinner) and then put a coat of wax back on the wood.

Steve

 

[Rusty]

Sounds like decent advice to me.