restoring an old blade

[ronaldbeal]

I was cleaning out the attic when I came across an old Gerber Mark-II I had bought when in high school. The blade has quite a few small rust spots, (from a distance it looks like an old rusty blade) What is the best way to clean/ restore this knife.

Thanks
RB

 

[relentlessknives.com]

Ron:
If you post a photo it would be easier to direct you.
Chances are your knife is L6 steel.....I would be better able to tell if you tell me the approx year you acquired the knife as Gerber made them is several steels.
It may also be stainless, which can also rust if left in a moist envriornment for long periods of time.

Depending on how bad the rust is, it can be removed with scotch brite pads, and several other methods.
If the knife is valuable, you might want to have it restored by sending it to a knifemaker.
After I see the photo's I can better tell you.

 

[bikerdoc]

Let it soak with good coat of oil. then oil on a rag and rub, if it is really stuborn, use 2000 grit emory paper. or 0000 steel wool, very gently so as not to scratch, when your satisfied polish with mothers mag and aluminiun polish.
good luck and welcome to THR in general and NFW in particular.
Doc

 

[hso]

ronaldbeal,

Welcome to THR and NFW. Here's a table of serial numbers for the Gerber MkII (http://militarycarryknives.com/KnifeTable.htm). Let us know what you find about your knife.

bikerdoc,

Instead of emery or steel wool I use one of the copper scrubber pads. Cu is too soft to mar the surface and the "Choir Boy" has enough edges to really get the rust loose. Also, a brass brush works well for removing rust without scratching a steel finish.
Even a good art gum eraser does well.

 

[ronaldbeal]

The serial number is :K5184S
From the chart linked, I assume it is 440c Stainless steel. (black armorhide)

I will try to get some pics up this weekend.
Thanks for the help so far.
RB

 

[hso]

If it's black and has an "S" at the end of the serial number then it should be one of the later 440C knives.

Cool knife, but not an "Oh Golly" L6 Vietnam era knife.