I recently recieved my grandfathers Cattaraugus 225Q Army Aircore issued knife, and I love it. Because it is almost 70 years old, it is starting to look dirty. What methods can I use to clean off some of the stains without damaging the blade? The blade is high carbon steel. Please, only post solutions you know will not damage the blade. Thanks.
2007-09-14 10:21:46 · 4 answers · asked by da man 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Any kind of light oil, and some extra extra fine steelwool will remove most signs of rust without damaging the finish on the knife. (Get the finest steelwool you can find, or a scotchbrite cleaning pad) I do this to polish my steel knives. Keeping a light coat of oil on the blade will prevent future rust. (WD40, sewing machine oil, etc)
Congrats
2007-09-14 10:53:46 · answer #1 · answered by thewrangler_sw 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are a lot of websites that have information on this knife. You can ask the experts on how to restore it. I have some old knives from WW2 and I just keep them dry and lightly oiled. Most attempts to clean things like this don't turn out well. Sometimes it is best to leave it alone or get advice from a restorer. A knife that old is not expected to look new.
2007-09-15 05:54:24 · answer #2 · answered by renpen 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keep in mind that a lot of those knives were blued like a rifle. It may not be as stained as much as you think. If you use steel wool make sure it is 0000 grade which is very fine ( I use it on the painted finishes on the necks of my guitars, to cut down on squeaks my hand makes as I play). Then keep it lightly oiled two or three times a year. I keep my grandfather straight razor that way and I'm 65 yo.
2007-09-14 12:53:45 · answer #3 · answered by Lear B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
DO NOT CLEAN you will remove whatever value the knife has by doing this. Collectors like to see these kinds of things with the wear and tear on them. To clean it would either lower or remove the value.
2016-03-18 06:02:08 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋