Camillus WW2 issue knife cleaning

[hmeyer2718]

Hey guys, just picked up some Loctite rust dissolver. What would the best way to use this on my knife be? Also, would it damage the bone handle in any way? Thanks.

[jerryd6818]

I've used that stuff and wasn't happy with the results. I may have been using it incorrectly but if I were you and if you're dead set on trying it, I'd use it on something else first, several times, to make sure I had the hang of it and was getting the results I was looking for. As with any method of rust removal, once you step in the boat, there's no going back.

Edit: The knife doesn't look all that bad. The method of soaking it in mineral oil for a couple of days that Jim gave you in another thread would be the way I would go. A fine green 3M pad after that should get you where you want to go.

Instant gratification is not always a good thing.

[hmeyer2718]

Would it harm the bone?

[Ramrod]

I would NOT use it.
just my opinion.
Mark

[jerryd6818]

Would it harm the bone?

I don't know. I doubt it but here again, I'd try it on something else first. As Mark said, I wouldn't use the stuff but it's your knife to do with as you please.

[hmeyer2718]

Ok i wont use it. What do you guys suggest.

[jerryd6818]

The method of soaking it in mineral oil for a couple of days that Jim gave you in another thread would be the way I would go. A fine green 3M pad after that should get you where you want to go.

[orvet]

I won't use Naval Jelly on ANY knife, especially if it still assembled!
That stuff is way too caustic!

I would soak in in hot tap water & Dawn dish soap.
Then I scrub them with a stiff nylon bristle vegetable brush inside and out.
Rinse with hot tap water & blow out with compressed air.
Then I squirt a little WD-40 in the springs and joints to remove the left over water, (WD-40 = water displacement formula #40).
Then blow out again with compressed air.

At that point most of the rust & crud should be gone & you can see what else may be needed.

That is the way I clean up old knives, & I have done more than I can count.

[Chief RID]

I would use the old pencil method on the blades. Just use a soft lead pencil and start removing the rust. It works very well. Just wipe it with a soft cloth and it leaves all the natural look of an old knife. I like to clean with a toothbrush and dawn and then spray it down with WD-40. Wipe with soft cloth after that. I use old cut up tee shirts.

[Old Hunter]

Instant gratification is not always a good thing.

I'd have never believed that statement at 18 or 19, but I sure believe you now!

[Miller Bro's]

I have used Naval Jelly for years and have had excellent results. You have to be very careful when using this stuff it is dangerous, it is an acid and will eat your skin, eyes and everything else on your body, extreme caution must be used and the proper safety equipment worn.

I see that you are only 15 years old, so my advice is not to try using that stuff only bad things could happen if you do.

Get some #oooo steel wool and hand clean the rusty steel parts, oil the joints, and the bone handles with mineral oil and leave it at that. The knife will never look new again, if you want a pristine example they do come up for sale on e-bay for around $50, sometimes less if you are lucky.

[cattaraugus57]

As Miller bros said:"Get some #oooo steel wool and hand clean the rusty steel parts, oil the joints, and the bone handles with mineral oil and leave it at that."

That's what I do most of the time and it leaves a natural look.
I sometimes use clear(netural) shoe polish on the handles.

[singin46]

Based on the suggestions of Dale aka Orvet on here, I have always used Birchwood Casey Gun Scrubber. It comes in a spray can. Look on Amazon for this product. I have used it for years with great success. It will not harm bone handles or any other handle materials that I have tried it on and I've tried it on every kind you could name! Also,,, if Dale still has some of these, try a rust eraser, he sells them in his store I think.

[wazu013]

I vote and actually do what Dale (Orvet) said Nothing beats a nice clean bath in warm water and Dawn then scrub down and a good rinse and WD40 to move the water out. Don't get to agressive with the cleaning chemicals you just might burn the value out of it. Then just sharpen and oil it then pocket it. You'll remove allot of stuff just by carrying it around Trust me.