Surface rust on brushed stainless MT - Removal ideas needed

[tosh]

I've just gone and purchased a Kershaw A100 MT 

It's used but judging by the pictures seems to be very well intact, nothing seems to be broken off!


However, it seems to have surface rust and I'm 100% certain it will come up good. My problem is the brushed stainless finish - I don't want to create "highlights" on it by the usual cleaning methods.

So, I'm wondering if I could just soak it in petrol?? diesel? WD40?? etc etc for a few days and gently brush it with an old toothbrush. I can't see a problem arising from this, but if there is one I'd like someone to advice me now before I go and ruin the finish.

Anybody??

P.S It's also pouchless, does anyone have one for sale?? (I've already placed an ad in the "wanted" section)

[stealth007s]

If you could get your hands on some 3 in 1, I think that may do it for you.

[tosh]

If you could get your hands on some 3 in 1, I think that may do it for you.

Hi Stealth'

3 in 1 is available here in the UK, But I would've assumed it was too thick to penetrate when compared to petrol (gas), diesel or WD40.
Still, I'm here to learn, if 3 in 1 works then that's what I'll try.
Cheers 

[jzmtl]

Brass wire brush.

There's also the homemade chemical rust remover but I'm not 100% sure it's safe.

[J-sews]

The finish on most Leatherman tools is what I call "brushed", whereas the finish on your Kershaw (and most Gerber multitools for instance) are what I call "bead blasted."  But regardless of how the finish was accomplished, it can be a bugger to match up to when doing rust spot removal.

The important thing is to NOT make a shiny spot. (once you do, it's a royal pain trying to get it dulled back down again) I use a fine wire brush to remove the rust, but I don't "brush" with it in the normal way. I sort of whack the ends of the bristles repeatedly against the rust spot. Eventually the rust is gone, and the metal is silver-y again but with no lines or grain direction. (if that makes sense)

[tosh]

Well, I decided to have a go at the white vinegar and baking soda approach - must say I will definately do it again. below are before and after pictures.

Please tell me what you think.

[tosh]

And now after a 3 day soak with daily rub using a soft paintbrush...

After these pics were taken the battery went flat...Doh. I haven't yet charged it, but I have continued rubbing the remaining "spots" with a cotton wool bud soaked in vinegar and baking soda and surprisingly most has now come off.

It was never going to come up mint, so I wiped it down, put it in a pre heated oven for 30min then removed it and took it into the garage where it was totally soaked in WD40 then left to cool down overnight. I'll upload a pic sometime over the weekend.

I'M STILL SEARCHING FOR A KERSHAW POUCH.... ANYBODY???   

[J-sews]

Looks much improved Tosh! Some day I will need to give that method a try.

[gregozedobe]

That is a big improvement on how it was when you got it - well done 

I'M STILL SEARCHING FOR A KERSHAW POUCH.... ANYBODY???   

None surplus to my requirements at the moment, but if I ever find a genuine Kershaw Leather sheath/pouch I may be able to spare a nylon one.  Unless I happen to buy yet another A100 without a sheath in the meantime, which is a distinct possibility.