Rust removal?

T

TheUSMC2017

Joined
Nov 24, 2010
Messages
621
I've got a couple of older knives, not really worth anything, but I would like to remove some rust off of them. Is there anything I can use that is relavtively inexpensive?
 
Steel wool, wet dry sandpaper, WD-40, scotch-brite are some things to use without much expense.
 
0000 steel wool & WD 40.
Or, use a copper penny and scrape the heavy rust off.
 
Google 'electrolysis' - if you happen to have a battery charger all you would need is some washing soda and a piece of sacrifice steel.

If you don't have a battery charger then Evaporust works well, not cheap by the gallon but good to have on hand.

Keith
 
Does it have removable handle scales? If so, then vinegar - buy a gallon or so of the cheap stuff for ~$10. Then just toss the blade in and it'll take the rust right off, give a nice patina and even etch the blade if it's deferentially hardened.

If the scales aren't removable, then something like mustard will do the trick, but that'll probably take a number of coatings followed by decent bit or scrubbing with steel wool and fine sandpaper afterward.
 
0000 steelwool will cause the blade to become "satin" depending on the steel.

How much rust? How deep is it? Can you use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser? Or are we talking chemical reaction.
 
0000 steel wool will not scratch the blade. Using vinegar or mustard will turn the blade dark. Scotchbrite will scratch the blade.
 
I have used scotch-brite on blades before (green) depends on the finish you want or the finish the blade has to begin with. Used scotch-brite belts on belt grinders just for the purpose of removing rust and improving the finish on metal. Also use it by hand. It is not anywhere as fine as 0000 steel wool but you could be happy with the finish you get. If you had pictures of the knives to post, maybe better suggestions could be given. What to use when you start depends on the condition the blade is in and how much time you want to put into it. I would suggest staying away from anything that would have a chemical reaction with the steel. IMO
 
i've used "bar keepers friend" before to clean up a little rust on the serial # on the tang of one of my knives. it was based on knifenut1013's recommendation on how to clean dmt diamond stones. it works really well since one of the ingredients is salicylic acid.


Bill DeShivs said:
0000 steel wool will not scratch the blade.
Click to expand...

#0000 steel wool is really good at getting a car's (glass) windshield and windows squeaky clean as well.
 
I usually use the steel wool and WD40 as others have mentioned. Scotch Brite pads (green ones) I found out have an abrasive imbedded in plastic mesh. I made the mistake of scrubbing some BS (bird stuff) off my wind shield on an old Ford Van. It left scratches on the glass.

Ric
 
JV3 said:
i've used "bar keepers friend" before to clean up a little rust on the serial # on the tang of one of my knives. it was based on knifenut1013's recommendation on how to clean dmt diamond stones. it works really well since one of the ingredients is salicylic acid.
Click to expand...

I get what you mean, but it's actually oxalic acid. If I'm not mistaken, salicylic acid is the active ingredient in Aspirin and many acne treatments. ;)

Bar Keeper's Friend does remove rust very effectively. I've used it as a paste (mixed w/water), applied in moderation with Q-Tip. Leave it on maybe 15-30 seconds, and gently wipe it off (and rinse thoroughly w/water). Works very well, and doesn't leave so much as a trace behind. Perfect for small rust spots on cutlery, as well as removing rust stains from china/stoneware. It's perfect for cleaning the metal from ceramic hones, too.
 
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Automatic Transmission Fluid. Cheap, easy, shouldn't damage the scales. (Don't use it with bone, turns it slightly pink.)
 
After some WD-40, use CLP. Best stuff ever, IMHO. CLP stands for Cleaner, Lube, Potectant. Comes in a black can/bottle w/ yellow (sometimes white) lettering. Google it's military heritage.

Soak your rusty metal in it prior to using any elbow grease/steel wool. After cleaing off the rust, the CLP can be used again as a protectant. Nice manly garage smell, also! A VERY thin coat is now on all my knives and guns.
 
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