rust spots on carbon steel

[BullRunBear]

I recently picked up an old carbon steel Old Timer knife. It is tight and the blades sharpen up beautifully. But there are spots of rust on the blades. They feel like low lumps that I should be able to scrape off with a fingernail but that doesn't work. The rest of the blades' surface are unstained.

If they were just stained with use and time it wouldn't matter. Any thoughts on how I can clean off the rust spots?

The knife is not a collectable, just for every day use. I like the carbon steel Old Timers because they take an edge and are light in my pocket.

Thanks for any help.

Jeff

 

[M-Cameron]

you can try CLR....just let it soak for a bit ....

....or some fine steel wool and WD-40 should take it off no problem.....


and if you want to keep it from rusting again......you can always put a patina on the blade.....or you can pick up some birchwood casey gun stock wax and rub a bit of that on the blade.....does a great job on my carbon steel blades.

 

[hso]

Brass brush and lots of elbow grease with PB Blaster Catalyst.

 

[BullRunBear]

Guys,

Thanks for the suggestions. To my chagrin I am out of steel wool of any grade. (How did that happen?) I'll get some tomorrow and give it a try if the brass brush doesn't do the job. I don't mind a patina as it looks like "honest" wear, like my 40 year old Model 10. But rust on a blade makes my teeth hurt.

This is an old Trapper style Schrade Old Timer. It's great for those time I want a bigger pocket knife without the weight of my Buck folder.

Jeff

 

[451 Detonics]

This knife was so rusty I had to soak it for a couple day in mineral oil before I could even open all the blades. Lot's of work with 0000 steel wool and light oil brought it back to life and it is in my EDC rotation these days. It is an 1924-33 Remington Official Scout and worth way more than the 5 bucks I paid for it.

 

[BullRunBear]

451,

Love that knife, especially the WW I era can opener. Makes me wonder whatever happened to my Boy Scout knife from the 1950s. Wish I still had it.

Jeff