polishing away rust

[liko]

Well, after almost 6 months of carrying my Native everyday with less than diligent cleaning and maintenance, I'm starting to notice a few small pinpoints of brown on the tang around the laser etching. The brown doesn't rub off just using your thumb, so I'm thinking it's probably rust. The first time this happened, I polished it off using a slightly damp rag and some toothpaste (don't laugh, how do you think toothpaste removes junk from your teeth? It's more of a polish than a cleaner in the traditional sense). Didn't take but ten seconds for all the visible rust to disappear, but I kept at it for about a minute to make sure. Now, after about a week, the pinpoints are back. Is there a way to get rid of the rust for a long time? Is this going to be a part of my weekly cleaning ritual with this knife? Do you think the rust may have already become pitted?



I'd prefer not to have to oil the blade if at all possible. Oil has a way of getting into places you'd rather not have it, such as the bottom of the choil and handle. I also prefer as clean and oil-free a blade as possible for working around food. While Ballistol is non-toxic and not as highly flammable as other oils, it's not the best-tasting stuff around, and I'd rather it didn't get into the food I'm cutting or into the bags I'm opening.



Wise man say, forgiveness is divine. Remember that when your <img src="http://www.spyderco.com/forum/spyder.gif" border=0> bites you!



Edited by - liko on 5/2/2002 12:10:19 PM

[Blades]

You need some type of oil/rust preventive on the blade, or the rust will come back. Just alittle where the rust is starting will help. I'm sure someone here can recommend something safe to use around food. I use Sentry Tuf-cloth myself, and I use my knife to cut food, but I'm not worried about alittle in my system. I'll live. Maybe. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>


Blades

[tgreen]

Try to use a standard pencil eraser on the rust spots if they aren't deep. Also, the Tuff-Cloth works very well. If you don't want it too concentrated, the cloth will dry out in the package.

[AllenETreat]

Hey liko :

I tried jewelry cleaner. And it WORKS! Used it on my "Cricket" and it takes the rust off
& keeps it off! What you may want to supplement it with is a good wipin' with a Sentry Tuf Cloth, which the Navy SEALS use.
They ( SEALS ) operate in all kinds of harsh enviroments, so the Tuf Cloth is the way to go! How about the rest of you? <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

ATE <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

[vampyrewolf]

for pivot: weapons lube, Canadian Tire, ~$7/60ml
for blade: Mineral Oil, at Cutting Edge, $5/80ml
for rust: MetalGlow(polish/cleaner), at Cutting Edge, $5/50ml tube

wiping is done with a leather chamois, carry about a 2"x3" chunk, the rest is in the knife care pile.

<img src=http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/users/372fcedb ... 8A88UxWudf> We all start with 10 fingers. Those with Spydies have 9 to spare, Still need a thumb. Good thing I still have 8 to spare... <img src=http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/users/372fcedb ... 8A88UxWudf>

[chinook]

Flitz is a great cleaner/polish/rust remover.
Mineral oil can't hurt you. (except in quantity its a great cathartic.)

Disguised as a responsible adult.

[glasshartt]

Maybe it's because it's so dry here, but I've never had any problem with rust on any of my <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>'s. I usually have 2 living in my RF pocket, one on my belt, and 1 around my neck. Liko's right about toothpaste (not the gel)though, I use it to clean/polish my silver jewelry all the time. It makes it nice and shiny with very little abrasion. <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

Linda

<img src="http://www.spyderco.com/forum/spyder.gif" border=O> Integrity is being good even if no-one else is watching <img src="http://www.spyderco.com/forum/spyder.gif" border=O>

[Sword and Shield]

Bar Keeper's Friend is great on rust. While it won't work on really bad corrosion, it works quite well on the minor problems of forgetting to clean a knife for a few months.

Keepin' it real...real sharp, that is.