Rust Problem

[Rod Dewald]

I made some blades using old buggy springs,(carbon steel) I heat treated the blades and then etched them in ferric chloride to obtain the old trade knife.Well I have put the knives together and now I'm dealing with rust mostly at the guard area as the guard is the same material,I have oiled repeatedly and it always returns. Is there anything I can do to minimize the RUST. Thanks for any help.
Rod

 

[Robert Mayo]

Did you etch before or after attaching the guardand was the guard soldered or epoxied on to seal it?

Bob

 

[Tom Lewis]

Did you neutralize the etch with baking soda or windex?

 

[Don Hanson III]

Your problem isn't rust but your ferric chloride. Etched steel must be thoroughly cleaned and neutralized.

 

[Rod Dewald]

No I didnt apply any type of neutralizing. I still can, cant I??

 

[Don Hanson III]

Maybe. Windex or 409 should work and use an old tooth brush.

 

[Rod Dewald]

Ok will try the windex, It shouldnt matter if I tried a rust remover at all should it?? As I was trying different things. Some of the metal is quite pitted and will require a little bit of scrubbing.
Rod