What is the best way to re finish a high carbon blade

A

Aerose91

Joined
Feb 11, 2014
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First off I know this isn't a quality blade but I was given this by a close friend who passed away soon after so getting rid of it isn't an option, it has a lot of sentimental value to me.
I have a Gerber machete and sat it in white vinegar overnight to get rid of some of the rust. Bad idea. The vinegar ate away most of the finish.

I want to know the best way to re finish this so I can preserve it as best as possible. Primer and paint? Thanks for any help
 
I would remove the finish with paint stripper or fine sand paper all the way, then clean it and either oil it or force a patina.
 
I would force a patina. Strip/sand off the finish, boil some apple cider vinegar and dunk it... (readers digest how-to) Look up how to force a patina on the forums... lots of awesome how to's
 
Any finish that vinegar disposes of, wasn't doing a good job anyway.
So, get rid of all the finish.
I would just spray it with lanolin.
 
Those are great suggestions, thanks.
Stupid question though- how does forcing a patina help protect the blade? Isn't the acid just stripping the metal more bare?
Also, this is probably amateurish but is painting it out of the question? If I want to make it black again...
 
You can paint it.
If you want advice on that, might be best to start a new specific thread.
 
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