How to Clean Rust From a Knife
A strong and sturdy knife can be an outdoorsman's best friend. Once rust begins to set in on a knife blade, however, its usefulness is greatly diminished. If rust has begun to take residence on your knife, remove it as soon as possible to prevent permanent damage.
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Things You'll Need
- Protective goggles
- Sandpaper
- Steel wool
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
- Soft cloth
- Coca-Cola
- Cup or bowl
Instructions
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1
Sand the rusty areas of the blade with coarse-grit sandpaper. This will eliminate much of the surface rust. Gradually work your way to finer grits of sandpaper as the rust begins to fade. When the rust has been removed, sand with a very-fine-grit sandpaper to provide a smooth finish to the blade.
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Scrub the rusted blade with coarse steel wool. Much like the sandpaper, start with an extremely coarse steel wool to remove most of the rust, then work your way to finer grits to improve the finish.
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3
Mix equal parts vinegar and baking soda to form a paste. Apply the paste to the rusted areas using a soft cloth. Allow the paste to sit for at least half an hour. Wipe off with a clean cloth and rinse in hot water to completely remove the paste. Repeat until the rust is gone.
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4
Soak the knife blade in Coca-Cola for at least two days. Rinse thoroughly with hot water and scrub with a soft cloth to remove any remaining rust or soda.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider applying oil such as WD-40 to your knife to prevent rusting.
Specialized chemical cleaners such as CLR (designed to remove calcium, lime and rust) are available at most hardware stores. Always read all instructions and warnings before using any chemical cleaners on your knife.
Always take proper precautions when working with sharp knives. If the rust in on the sharp blade of the knife, use a vice or clamp to hold the knife in place while you work. If the rust spots appear on a different area of the knife, consider covering the blade with duct tape to prevent injuries.
Always wear protective goggles when working with sandpaper.
