Rust on World War 2 Blades

[jjhellma]

A quick question for any antique knife collectors out there.  We recently aquired an amazing collection of very rare world war 2 Nazi offices knives.  The majority of these knives are in amazing condition, but there are a few that have a bit of rust buildup on them. 

Does anyone know a proper way to get rid of rust on steel knives?  I've heard of people completely eliminating rust on other high quality steel products. Thank you for your advice!

Jerry

[Dean Perdue]

Unfotunately there is no miracle cleaner that I know of that will make this type of blade better.

Usually when rust is removed it will leave some type of pitting unless it is very minor.

Most of these ceromonial blades originally had mirror like finishes that show every flaw plus there was a cross graining on them which collectors love, and when you use an mild abrasive product on them to remove rust there goes some of the graining destroying some of the value. Some German blades have motto's that are darkened with a black burnishing and when the blade is cleaned or buffed there goes the darkening on that.

German dagger collectors put great significance on the blades condition and it may arguably be the greatest single factor in determining a value for the piece.This group of collectors are very skeptical and knowledgable because their hobby is plagued with repro's and fakes.

Most in that hobby would probably rather have a untouched original example which demonstates a sense of history versus one that has been polished or overcleaned and trying to be something it is not.

A few products that come to mind that are basically to protect and do light cleaning on a blade are semi-chrome and ren-wax.

Don't use oil then return it to it's scabbard. This will do more harm than good in the long run.Can you post any photo's?

[Skinny]

I've read (in a This Old House magazine) that soaking in molasses will get rid of rust. These people had used this method to clean up some antique door hardware.  It may be worth a try.

[Texasbadger]

Depends on the level of rust involved, Flitz,,,not Semi Chrome will leave the crossgrain intact, just work it horizontally not from handle to point, use clean rags on each cleaning that way you are not rubbing rust particles across the steel.  Q-tips with Flitz works wonders on small areas. There will always be gray spots or pits, but much improvement and it kills the rust. Would love to see what you have. Texasbadger@sbcglobal.net