Question about cleaning a blade

Fisting_Chili · **on:** January 06, 2010, 03:14:51 PM

How best to clean a blade?

1. To keep the rust spots off?

2. If I come across a blade that is stained, how do I get the stains off?

Thanks everyone! I have an Opinel that is pretty stained and my prides, my SOG Government and SOG Desert Dagger have little spots on them.

Mike, Lord of the Spammers! · **Reply #1 on:** January 06, 2010, 06:06:57 PM

There was a guide over on Sosakonline, but I can't find it

Spoonrobot · **Reply #2 on:** January 06, 2010, 07:15:41 PM

Quote from: Fisting_Chili on January 06, 2010, 03:14:51 PM

How best to clean a blade?

1. To keep the rust spots off?

2. If I come across a blade that is stained, how do I get the stains off?

Hot soapy water for general cleaning before food prep or similar activities. To remove tape residue, sap and other sticky substances you can use alcohol or Naptha (zippo lighter fluid) or even purpose cleaners like Goo-gone.

1. Wash or clean the blade frequently, especially if you touch it a lot. Corrosion is often linked to body chemistry; the salts and oils from your fingers can cause or speed up rust. To remove rust spots use only 000 or 0000 steel wool (found at most big-box stores) and some oil to rub the spots out. Do not use green scratch pads (Scotch-brite brand is often erroneously suggested) as these pads will scratch the finish and invite more rust spots. Keep a light coat of oil on the blade to prevent rust and remove before using for food tasks.

2. Depends on the steel, but stains can sometimes be removed by polishing with Flitz polish or similar compounds.