What's the best way to remove rust from an old file?

dawgfan

dawgfan

Joined
Jul 6, 2005
Messages
1,728
I have some that are at least 50+ years old and I'd like to remove the rust if possible. Thanks!
 
I like my file brush.

file_cleaning_brush_l.jpg
 
dawgfan said:
That's the plan.
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Those very old files(if its a black diamond or Nicholson) are very good steel(old hellers are close but just a pinch less carbon, about 1.20)..Ive seen files read as high as 1.32% carbon..
C:1.28 | Mn:0.34 | P: 0.016 | S:0.015 | Si:0.15 | Cu: 0.02 | Cr:0.14 | Mo:0.005 | Ni: 0.02 | Sn: 0.002
According to nicholsons head metallurgist they have not changed the steel in more than 50 years..You can use vinegar or evaporust..Are you planning on heat treating it? Nicholsons head dude said he could not divulge the exact steel(but I will:D) but to heat treat it like W1..As you can see its very high in carbon and makes a fine knife. I like it much better than 1095 myself..It also makes about the best strikers to be had..Handle all that carbon carefully..
 
I am not, nor will I ever be, a bladesmith like you. This is for simple pleasure, not profit. Steel matters not to me in this application. It is the repurposing of some materials that have been in my family since before I was born.

Carry on :)
 
dawgfan said:
I am not, nor will I ever be, a bladesmith like you. This is for simple pleasure, not profit. Steel matters not to me in this application. It is the repurposing of some materials that have been in my family since before I was born.

Carry on :)
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If you want some pointers Ive worked with a lot of filesteel..Shoot me a Pm, Ill be happy to help you out.
 
search anza knives on youtube. Charlie Davis built a business and fed his family on files. watch his interview video. pay very close attention to what he says about stainless steel and cutting tools. dont get me wrong, i like SOME stainless, but the stuff i really want no one can buy. a file can make a fine knife, in fact there's a thread on here dedicated to them.
 
dawgfan said:
I am not, nor will I ever be, a bladesmith like you. This is for simple pleasure, not profit. Steel matters not to me in this application. It is the repurposing of some materials that have been in my family since before I was born.

Carry on :)
Click to expand...

Good for you!

I am really new to this, but I think if you anneal them before you work them it will just burn off. like I said..... I am new to this.
 
dawgfan said:
I am not, nor will I ever be, a bladesmith like you. This is for simple pleasure, not profit. Steel matters not to me in this application. It is the repurposing of some materials that have been in my family since before I was born.

Carry on :)
Click to expand...
See, this is not what you asked. Had you asked/said the above, my answer would have been "electrolysis." But you didn't ask that.
 
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