Rusted Folder Needs Some TLC

[Markesharp]

I use 600 grit wet/dry sandpaper and WD-40.

 

[Ten4leader]

WD-40 is your friend.

 

[Philbird]

I can't seem to get the corrosion off the blades. Anyone know of a good compound that might work?

Try Autosol. It's a German metal polish. If that doesn't work, then if I were you I would go through several increasingly finer grains of wet/dry sandpaper and then us chromium oxide buffing compound rubbed on a rag to bring the blade back up to a mirror finish.

 

[jazub]

Flitz to clean blades.

 

[Primble]

I would use 400 grit sandpaper, followed by 600 or 800 grit. Rub easy -BY HAND-and go with the grain of the steel. After it starts to feel smooth - STOP. I would not try for a high polish on that knife and would avoid any polish. If I were you, I would want the blades to look old like grandpas knife. By the looks of it, you do not need to do much more. I would then use a paper towel saturated with Balsamic Vinegar to wrap the blades and force a nice even patina. Keep the handles on something elevated to keep the vinegar off the bolsters and handles. Wait two hours and unwrap and blot dry. The blades should be pretty dark grey to black. I then use 3in1 oil as a stop bath. I then go outside and rub the blades with 0000 steel wool. The steel wool will make the gray become lighter and a shiny gray. Take your time and go easy. Keep rubbing till the patina is even. I use a bottle rocket blower to get the sanding and steel wool dust out of the knife crevices. Wipe the knife down with a clean rag and a very light coat of oil. Here is an old knife I re-patinaed a short time ago, just to show you what it can look like. I had to straighten the edge on the main blade and re-contour the swedge. My goal was to keep the old blades looking old and an antique knife looking more like an antique. I believe over time, you will be glad you left it looking old.

Best regards,
Primble

 

[quattro98]

Great to see that knife open. I've used Kroil as a penetrating oil & it works well. I use Maas metal polish for cleaning things up.