Cleaning an antique

[Oeberron]

Greetings all,

I inherited a 1943 US trench knife or bayonet and it is severely rusted as it was in the origina scabbard for 50 years. I've scrubbed off the crusty brown stuff, was wondering if anyone had a suggestion for removing the dark grey oxidation marks?
I would also like any suggestions for fixing up the leather scabard which is still all intact but again, rusted and worn. For those curious, the stamp on the scabbard says, U.S. M6 Viner Bros 1943.

Thanks for your help,
O

 

[1911JMB]

Go to an auto parts store and buy some rust remover for the blade, put some boot oil on the sheath, and don't forget to keep the blade well oiled after it gets cleaned up.

 

[hso]

Welcome to THR!

Stop what you are doing right now and don't do anything else to the blade.

Please describe what you have already done in detail and how you did it and with what. Please be as specific as possible. Any pictures, regardless of quality would be very helpful.

If you want real good advice provide this information over at Bladeforums or http://www.knifeforums.com/forums/showforum.php?fid/33/.

 

[LAK]

If the rust is off, and only gray oxidation remains I would leave it alone. Maybe apply some Renaissance Wax to protect it. The gray "patina" is fine.

As for the leather sheath; some Pecard Antique/Restoration Dressing:

http://www.pecard.com/

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http://ussliberty.org
http://ssunitedstates.org

 

[Valkman]

Listen to these guys - you will ruin any value it has if you keep going. It should not look new!

 

[Col Kurtz]

Please tell us this is a joke

 

[Skofnung]

The only way you are gonna get the grey off is by grinding it off. DON'T DO IT!!!
Grey oxidation is fine, in fact, most old WWII blades I've seen had that grey patina. I think (not 100% though) that the M6 was Parked in the first place.

As for the sheath, mink oil or neatsfoot would work, but the Pecards as LAK suggested would be better.

Don't over clean it! More antiques of all kinds have been ruined by overzealous neat freaks than by any other means.