I found an old knife that was my grandfather's and I'd like to try to restore it at least a little by making the blade at least shine again. What do I need in order to do that?
2007-02-12 02:19:08 · 6 answers · asked by space man 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Try using WD-40 and a dremel. Make sure you're not destroying a valuable antique first.
2007-02-12 02:22:18 · answer #1 · answered by Mickey Mouse Spears 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Doc Hudson has it right - use Flitz. DO NOT USE SCOTCH BRITE, it will ruin the finish. Particularly the typical green SCOTCH BRITE. Green Scotchbrite is actually - and this is going to sound crazy, but it is absolutely true, a ceramic crystal grown over a polymer base. In the green case it is Aluminum Oxide, or sapphire which is what sharpening stones are made of. It will absolutely scratch the finish of any knife. The red scotchbrite actually is made from Iron Oxide, or exactly the rust that is on your knife, and depending on the hardness of the steel can scratch the finish as well. Fitz will remove the rust without damaging the finish. Now as to the comments about whether to clean or not to clean I don't have a feel for that. I've not really a collector, for value, more I collect the knives I like. Personally, I'd probably clean it because I don't like rusty knives, but it's your call. Thinkingblade
2016-05-24 00:44:13 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oil (gun cleaning oil works best but you could use 3 in 1 oil - it's really too thin though) and fine steel wool. Apply a liberal amount of oil, let it set a few minutes and rub gently with steel wool. Chances are that the residue will be rust colored to black. That's OK. Wipe off with cloth. Repeat til clean. Apply thin coat of oil to preserve the metal. If the rust is very bad, the blade may have pits in the metal where the rust has eaten away the metal. You can't do anything for this problem, but at least you will stop the deterioration once you've cleaned it.
2007-02-12 02:29:43 · answer #3 · answered by Tara 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Old knives are carbon steel. If it is stainless and it is rusted it is pitted and useless. It needs to be honed using a whetstone. It will bring the blade back if it is carbon steel. WD 40 would help. or a little liquid wrench.
2007-02-12 02:31:46 · answer #4 · answered by science teacher 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
actually pepsi soda takes rust away good luck or eaven try a brillo pad
2007-02-12 02:24:39 · answer #5 · answered by karen_golden2003 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only if you have nothing better to do with your time...
2007-02-12 02:25:59 · answer #6 · answered by Mr. Marbles 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋