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.

 

[PAGunGuy]

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

Pics???

 

[TurboDog910]

Pics???

Post CLR and steel wool.

The pitting is what it is but I’ll still work on it with 2000 grit wet sand and go from there.

 

[PAGunGuy]

Post CLR and steel wool.
View attachment 113231 The pitting is what it is but I’ll still work on it with 2000 grit wet sand and go from there.

That looks much better. Good job

 

[KillerFord1977]

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
View attachment 113108
View attachment 113109View attachment 113110

Really nice find from the family. Very cool
Your clean up job looks great. Give it a sharp esge and carry it daily

 

[4rchangel]

You could also try Flitz on a foam Dremel tip.