Edged Wpns Getting Started: Basic Removal of Rust?

[Discipulus]

Hi Gang. I am sure you have been asked the question "how to remove surface rust" time and time again, so my apologies. But I want to ask it a little differently. My third-cousin inherited his gg-grandfather's (my gg-uncle) ACW officer's sword. He is not a spring-chicken anymore, and I want to make it as simple as I can for him -- what is the easiest way to do a basic removal of the surface rust so we can see and examine the etchings on the blade?

Thanks in advance.

 

[UCVRelics]

Hi Gang. I am sure you have been asked the question "how to remove surface rust" time and time again, so my apologies. But I want to ask it a little differently. My third-cousin inherited his gg-grandfather's (my gg-uncle) ACW officer's sword. He is not a spring-chicken anymore, and I want to make it as simple as I can for him -- what is the easiest way to do a basic removal of the surface rust so we can see and examine the etchings on the blade?

Thanks in advance.

View attachment 442172

I would start with white vinegar and a scotch brite stainless steel ball and go SLOW.

 

[C. Cash]

How about bronze wool? I cannot find it at my home store but gunsmiths recommend it over steel?

 

[Copperhead-mi]

I've used a product for years called RB-17 to remove rust from all kinds of firearms to include extremely expensive custom made pieces. It is an greenish colored enzyme that has the consistency of a syrup that removes only rust and leading; it will not harm the blue, nickle, or chrome plating finish on a firearm. In many instances you apply it to the rusted areas and leave it on for a few hours and wipe it away with a cloth. Some really heavier rusted areas may require assistance with 0000 steel wool or a bronze wool.

 

[Discipulus]

I was told that anything abrasive will threaten the etchings?

 

[bayonet]

I was told that anything abrasive will threaten the etchings?

then avoid anything abrasive and rub like H&%# with a cloth after applying the above (or WD40 or gun oil or similar lubes etc). Repeat and repeat. That's what I do.

 

[UCVRelics]

I was told that anything abrasive will threaten the etchings?

Sorry I did NOT see the etching part. Just start with the white vinegar and a soft cloth.

 

[tmorr]

A soft cloth and some Kroil penetrating oil will gently remove A LOT of surface rust and dirt with no damage to the iron or steel artifact. It will not look "scrubbed" either. Start with this and then see what, if anything, needs to be done afterwards. Use it evenly for consistency and best visual results. Do not sure Kroil or other penetrating oils on the shark skin/leather or whatever the grip material is.

 

[bayonet]

Got a ACW Mortar round delivered once that had some rust to it but no oil type substance readily available to clean it. So I went to the kitchen and used the wife's Virgin Olive Oil. What do you know it cleaned it up nicely and with a nice coating it still looks good.

 

[Jonl51]

Hi Gang. I am sure you have been asked the question "how to remove surface rust" time and time again, so my apologies. But I want to ask it a little differently. My third-cousin inherited his gg-grandfather's (my gg-uncle) ACW officer's sword. He is not a spring-chicken anymore, and I want to make it as simple as I can for him -- what is the easiest way to do a basic removal of the surface rust so we can see and examine the etchings on the blade?

Thanks in advance.

View attachment 442172

Nice sword. I have had good results keeping the blade lubricated with a light weight oil while using a kitchen scrub type sponge worked gently. If that isn't doing the trick then I use a brass bristle brush while always keeping the blade oiled, but go easy and don't rush it. Good luck.