What is the best way to remove the rusty pitting from an old blade? I tried fine wire wool but there still remains marks.
rust pitting
- Thread starter Globetrotter.uk
- Start date
Its as G4 says, for deepish pits.
But , for getting rid of a thick tarnish, you could first try the vigorous use of those old fashioned "ink" erasers, those hard greyor reddish things.....I use these to clean off the hardened sap from gardening cutters........or
A mix of Brasso and Cif creme, applied with a cropped-bristle toothbrush.
Ceeg
But , for getting rid of a thick tarnish, you could first try the vigorous use of those old fashioned "ink" erasers, those hard greyor reddish things.....I use these to clean off the hardened sap from gardening cutters........or
A mix of Brasso and Cif creme, applied with a cropped-bristle toothbrush.
Ceeg
or you could just leave the hard-eaned patina of age 
I don't like shiny for the sake of shiny, sorry
I don't like shiny for the sake of shiny, sorry
Just to let you know the the Geneva Convention band the use of chemicals or orther means to polish knifes etc after WW1 due the risk of blood posioning or worse.
So i agree with Dave Budd , keep the edge keen and don't worry about the finish!
So i agree with Dave Budd , keep the edge keen and don't worry about the finish!
Yeah, I like a stained/tarnished look on a blade. A personal choice thing.
The simplest method to really clean out rust from metal, even from deep pits, is just soak it in regular household vinegar. It will flake that rust off, and even flake it out of deep pits. You end up with a dull gray metal finish.
Then just wash it thoroughly with soap and water, and dry. A light coat of oil then slows down future rusting.
A lot of museums use a low voltage (12 volt battery) water/salt/soda (and something else) method to clean the rust off of old iron/steel. But that household vinegar works just as well, and without monkeying around with electricity/batteries.
Some old iron I only clean the rust off with that wire brush/wheel or a light sanding. Yes, this does tend to leave the rust/gunk down in those pits, but sometimes that ends up looking better in the end.
Mikey - that grumpy ol' German blacksmith out in the Hinterlands
The simplest method to really clean out rust from metal, even from deep pits, is just soak it in regular household vinegar. It will flake that rust off, and even flake it out of deep pits. You end up with a dull gray metal finish.
Then just wash it thoroughly with soap and water, and dry. A light coat of oil then slows down future rusting.
A lot of museums use a low voltage (12 volt battery) water/salt/soda (and something else) method to clean the rust off of old iron/steel. But that household vinegar works just as well, and without monkeying around with electricity/batteries.
Some old iron I only clean the rust off with that wire brush/wheel or a light sanding. Yes, this does tend to leave the rust/gunk down in those pits, but sometimes that ends up looking better in the end.
Mikey - that grumpy ol' German blacksmith out in the Hinterlands
I go with the aged look consensus! It's like plastic surgery for knives if you keep polishing it up. Let it grow old gracefully!
Yeah, they banned a lot of stuff that countries that did sign the treaty still continued to practice - either in open violation of their signed treaty, or in a "technical twist" of the wording.More "feel good" grandstanding politics for public consumption. And a "club" to then beat other countries with if they are "caught/accused" of doing some of the banned practices - especially when being accused by the very countries who are some of the worst offenders!
Another ... treaty ... honored mostly in its breach/violation.
Doncha just luv world politics? And the person being hacked to pieces by a machete doesn't care if it's been polished by a banned chemical or not.
Mikey - that grumpy ol' German blacksmith out in the Hinterlands
I would go with mr budd on this one , give it a good rub with wire wool and oil and leave the age on
to remove the oxidization of metals at work we usually suspend the item above a pot wth a little Amonia and hot water.. the amonia vapour rises and as it hits the metal the Oxidized layer literally falls off..
Word of warning though.. Amonia can seariously hurt you.. not only by getting it on your skin but it's one of those chemicals that the Smell of it can cause you to 'jerk' your neck back (involenterally) and in some cases if breakes you'e neck.. so use it in a well ventelated area (ie outside) wear a mask and rubber gloves to handle..
for it to work at it's best.. then place a clear plastic bag over the item and the amonia/hot water pot to contain the vapours.. (remove the bag with a stick when you're finished)
this will clean it out of any holes.. and leaves you with a shiny finish..
though personally I'm with the rest.. mooth the knife off and highlight the 'used' look
Word of warning though.. Amonia can seariously hurt you.. not only by getting it on your skin but it's one of those chemicals that the Smell of it can cause you to 'jerk' your neck back (involenterally) and in some cases if breakes you'e neck.. so use it in a well ventelated area (ie outside) wear a mask and rubber gloves to handle..
for it to work at it's best.. then place a clear plastic bag over the item and the amonia/hot water pot to contain the vapours.. (remove the bag with a stick when you're finished)
this will clean it out of any holes.. and leaves you with a shiny finish..
though personally I'm with the rest.. mooth the knife off and highlight the 'used' look
spamel is right, let the knife age, sometimes a pitted look gives a knife that olde world character look, post a pic lets see.
