All About Pocket Knives

I'd like some comments and advice on using those gray rubber, slightly gritty, "rust erasers" available from SMKW. Do they really work? How much do they "scar" metal, or do they rather "polish" it?

I use them to clean rust and gunk off blades all the time. They will leave a satin finish on the steel. I also use them regularly to clean off tang stamps on older knives in order to see them. I know some folks here are absolutely against cleaning any old knife but I have almost a compulsion to get the junk off of 'em. These erasers will do it. The only drawback is that if you not careful the grit will get into the joints of the knife and make it a little gritty. I handle this by drenching it in WD-40 and blowing it out with compressed air.

By the way I sell them in my AAPK store

Jeff

I'm sure those erasers could be useful in some cases, but I would be careful on near mint knives still retaining most of the factory finish. Especially Crocus polished blades. I knew a guy that messed up the finish on his blades once
Take Care
Blade Runner

Absolutely right, I use them on repairs and beater knives that need a good cleaning.

Jeff

I'm with Agteacher on the use of the erasers, when I purchase older knives I love to study the tang to see exactly what I have bought. With the use of the eraser it's almost non evasive to a point on removing surface buildup so I can read these lovely old knives. It does leave a brushed satin look after use so practice on an older knife to see if it is what you are looking for on the finish.

Yes you have to always be careful to not get carried away with what you are erasing but I for one will always have one while I am collecting...

Ps I showed my wife the magic of these erasers and now I wish I had not because she has started using it on her stuff and keeps wearing mine out...

Sunburst

I would not use them except on a finish you don't mind permanently scratching. I sell a product called "buff-sticks" (currently in stock, but not yet at my store, they will be there soon, appx $3.00 ea) used by professional cutlery conservators. they use gradually coarser, extremely fine diamond grits to remove all but the deepest "Biffs".
From my own personal use and user responses, they work quite well. I was surprised, they worked better than I expected, that's why I decided to carry them. It does take time and patience to use them effectively, they will remove blade rubs, and all but finish-breaking and very deep scratches. They come with a complete page of easy to understand instructions, and they are also easy to use. Patience and time are needed for best results. If interested further,please email me.-Glenn