Found this little blade…

[TurboDog910]

In the old man’s stuff.
Any recommendations on how to clean it up without further destroying the finish?
I already soaked it in ballistol to get it to open.
Thanks

 

[PieterCoetzee]

Very cool. Im guessing WW2 era???

 

[Condition1]

You can try CLR or Coke. Both have phosphoric acid in them which will remove the rust off of the blade. A soak of 12-24hrs in either. Then a a good rinsing in water and then ballistol again.

 

[TurboDog910]

Very cool. Im guessing WW2 era???

Yes it is. Grandad and dad were in the Navy; I am assuming this belonged to my grandfather. Many years buried in the bottom of a trinket tool chest drawer.

 

[powerboatr]

my guess as well WW2

 

[TurboDog910]

You can try CLR or Coke. Both have phosphoric acid in them which will remove the rust off of the blade. A soak of 12-24hrs in either. Then a a good rinsing in water and then ballistol again.

Thanks. The CLR took most of it up. I’m thinking about carefully wet sanding with 2000 grit paper then polishing.