Rust Removal

[Mason1836]

I have three knives with high carbon steel blades that have rust formations on the surface. I dont really want to use chemicals to remove the rust any suugestins

 

[rpttrsn]

Try the Rust Eraser. See thread https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/interesting-way-to-clean-whetstones.1548239/ or
Very fine steel wool w/ WD40

 

[Minnesota Man]

Try the Rust Eraser. See thread https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/interesting-way-to-clean-whetstones.1548239/ or
Very fine steel wool w/ WD40

Second on the rust eraser! Roughly 5$ have had it rub off one logo while using it though.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

Rust erasers work, but bear in mind they're a rubberized abrasive so they'll scuff the surface. Good ol' #0000 steel wool usually works nicely, too.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

0000 steel wool-used dry.
It won't alter the surface finish, but will remove active rust.
To remove discoloration and pitting, you will have to refinish the surface.

 

[Sonnydaze]

One of my sons was once issued a rather rusty Smith .38cal stainless revolver for a security job. Asked me what to use to clean it off a bit. I said five-ought steel wool. We had some in the house, and I proceeded to make that revolver shine like new. Everyone was impressed...even me.

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

Rust erasers work, but bear in mind they're a rubberized abrasive so they'll scuff the surface. Good ol' #0000 steel wool usually works nicely, too.

^This. Rust erasers work with silicon carbide abrasive in a rubbery matrix.

If the blade has a mirror-polished/chromed finish, a rust eraser will leave a 'satin' blemish on it that sticks out like a sore thumb. If the blade is already some degree of satin, no big deal.

 

[jpm2]

My standard routine for refurbishing rusty tools and blades is

Degrease, wire brush, degrease, wipe down, soak in white vinegar over night.
Rinse and dry, wire brush, steel wool if needed, wipe down.
Soak in vinegar again if needed and repeat.
If not, soak in breakfree overnight, wipe down, done.

Brought a lot of hand tools back to life this way that were unusable beforehand.
Removes all rust, keeps all the character.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Soaking in vinegar is fine for tools and pieces that don't need the original finish preserved.
Vinegar etches the metal.

 

[jpm2]

There's no original finish to preserve if it's covered in rust.

Wish I took pictures of a recent caseXX 431-7 I just did that way. Maybe I'll remember to photograph the next one.