Cleaning Ideas?

[hersh]

I'm a newbie to the knife world. Simple question...Got a knife that the blades are starting to tarnish a bit. Any tricks to get the tarnish off? Not sure if its too far gone to get that 'shine' back. Is there anything like a knive cleaning kit out there to maintain the collection? Thanks for any ideas you can share.

[knfcollector]

Semichrome, Flitz or some other mild polishing paste and elbow grease should do the job.

[knifeswapper]

It really depends on whether it is surface residue or has started eating; whether it is a collector or a user..

[Darksev]

I can vouch for semichrome and elbow grease . If it's a good, carbon steel user, I perfer a bit of patina on them, it just screams history to me. Active rust and grime is another thing all together

Funny thing is I have alot of "user" knives, things I carry to work and around the yard, etc. Most all are 1095 or Case CV, all high carbon. At this point in their lives, most all are bright and shiny. It's a hard thing, I don't have enough pockets or things to cut to get them all nice and patina'd

[BIGHEAD]

High Speed Buffer

[hersh]

Thanks guys. It's a Boker that I carry around and to work from time to time. Appreciate all the responses.

~hersh

[Hukk]

I know guys that have been hurt- SERIOUSLY. No need to have a high speed buffer, I'll take a workhorse 1 HP 10 inch with a 1725 RPM rating any day. Those 3600 RPM guys will shred the buff's in a hurry, especially loose muslin. I never use high speed on a blade, loose mulim can catch on the blade and throw it - WHO knows where, I have seen blades sticking out of the ceiling, I think I posted that picture. The Buffer is THE MOST DANGEROUS TOOL in the shop.

Keep a good patina, it protects the knife. If you want shiney use 420 HC SS, I have started to hate the stuff these days. Other stainless steels work well, Hard to find 420 HC SS - comes in HUGE ROLLS. I prefer 440C or good old 154CM, which will eat a hacksaw blade before you cut 1/2 way through an 1.5 inch x 5/32 bar.

I have no desire to keep a good shine on a user, a collectable or desk queen is different.

Here is a good one to stay away from: the Sheffield MFG company of China. Here are some rotten pictures of a Chinese knife trying to pass itself as a Genuine Sheffield. Watch out, the name is there to confuse you DELIBERATELY! SHEFFIELD MFG of China!
Soft aluminum frame, but I bought it to take apart and incororate ONE idea in an upcominf project. Soft Aluminum frame with neoprene. The frame will scatch like crazy - BUT the neoprene will need to be upgraded - this stuff is the old stuff they used in the 60's.

[toe cutter]

to each his own...but i'm stickin w/the marvels mystery oil and the purple polish......its beat all that stuff you guys listed hands down w/no damage to any knife i got. just got a stag knife today that is 90 plus yrs old. soaked it in the marvels mystery oil for 30 mins. all the rust and most of the tarnish wiped right off. purple polish cleaned the bolsters and shield right up....retaining the patina on the stag.just the way i like em to look.....TC