Rust & Rust Removal

[Brooks2]

How do I remove rust from a knife? How do I prevent the formation of future rust? Thanks in advance.

 

[3fifty7]

What kind of steel?
What kind of knife?
How bad is the rust?
Any concerns over value as an original example of a collectible?

Could range from a quick rubdown with flitz, OOOO steel wool and oil, a vinegar soak, electrolysis soak, complete resanding, media blasting, or do nothing at all.

 

[COSMO]

A picture would help........

 

[Brooks2]

What kind of steel?
What kind of knife?
How bad is the rust?
Any concerns over value as an original example of a collectible?

Could range from a quick rubdown with flitz, OOOO steel wool and oil, a vinegar soak, electrolysis soak, complete resanding, media blasting, or do nothing at all.

Ontario Rat II in D2 steel. The rust is very minor. I left the knife in the glove box of my car for a few days and when I got it out I saw some small specks of rust. I thought it was just a lot of dust or some water marks because it was closer to the handle, but when I started scrub it didn't come off. Obviously a Rat II is not a collectible but it is still razor sharp from its factory edge, so I don't want it to rust before I get my money out of it.

 

[rycen]

I like flitz polish. It should take care of that light rust easily and it leaves a little protection behind.

 

[JJ_Colt45]

Flitz and good 0000 steel wool will do it ... you could probably get by with kroil and the same steel wool ...

if you use it for food contact a pharmacutical grade mineral oil wipe down will help prevent future rust ... if you don't use it for any food contact then any good oil or wax blend will help prevent future rust.

 

[3fifty7]

I’d hit it with some flitz and follow up with either mineral oil, Ballistol or Renaissance wax

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Just 0000 steel wool should work fine. Adding oil just creates an abrasive slurry.

 

[Mossyhorn]

If 0000 steel wool doesn't remove it, try the light gray scotch brite. It may leave fine scratches, but it sounds like it's a user.

 

[Brooks2]

Flitz and good 0000 steel wool will do it ... you could probably get by with kroil and the same steel wool ...

if you use it for food contact a pharmacutical grade mineral oil wipe down will help prevent future rust ... if you don't use it for any food contact then any good oil or wax blend will help prevent future rust.

I used a steel wool and will be using WD40 for now until I can get something better.

 

[JJ_Colt45]

I used a steel wool and will be using WD40 for now until I can get something better.

if it's just surface rust that should work just fine