[Buttons]

I have a reasonable collection of swords and they all have required next to no maintinence. All except for my gladius. It has a wooden hilt and just a plain steel blade. It tarnishes like nothing I've ever seen before. I made the mistake of assuming it was stainless without looking and now it has blackish tarnishes wherever a finger hath come into contact with it. This dissapoints me greatly, no the sword alone but the idea that I have neglected it so. Any good methods to remove the tarnishes and the rust that seems to be integrated into the sword? I have gun cleaning supplies and have just coated the blade in vaseline to stave off any further damage. Any good tricks? thanks for your time and concern.
-Buttons

[Skofnung]

You will need a light abrasive of some form. Try some gun oil and steel wool first. Keep your strokes going in one direction (preferably paralell to the blade) so that it looks even. This should tale care of the rust. If this does not work, back up to very fine grit sandpaper, again with good oil, going in one direction. After that, keep the sword lightly oiled with a good grade gun oil, or get some of that Renaissance Wax. THis will inhibit future rusting.

Who made your Gladius? Carbon steel is the only good stuff for swords.

I assume that your other swords are stainless steel, right? Please do not try to cut anything with a stainless sword. It can be hazardous to your health.

Hope this helps.

[Buttons]

Thank you much. I got my Gladius at a renaissance fair (i know it's an anachronism) it was cheap and it is no good for waving around or practical use Most of my swords are display only and they are in fact stainless steel. I do plan to buy a practical one soon though. thank you for the helpful advice.

[MrMurphy]

Hoppes #9 and fine steel wool.


A wipe down with a Sentry Solutions Tuf Cloth will help stop rust a great deal.

[Skofnung]

If I may, I will suggest that if you have not already trot on over to www.swordforum.com and get "schooled" as it were. If you are looking to buy a functional blade, that is the place to go to learn what to avoid and how to care for what you have.

You must register with them in order to view the forum just to let you know, but the information therein is well worth the trouble.

Best to you.

[bad_dad_brad]

After you take care of the current tarnish, apply CLP Breakfree on your blade, and you will never have any tarnish problems again. This stuff is the sh*t. It works. It really does.

[Sunray]

"...blackish tarnishes..." Generally means a brass alloy. Still, a bit of 0000 steel wool and light oil should take it off. Then, wax it. Car wax will do.

[HiWayMan]

Possibly Flitz metal polish. I've always had good luck with it on firearms, knives, and just about every other piece of shiny metal that came into my possession.