subject: Bowie Knives And Removing Rust [print this page] Bowie knives and other rugged knives are oftentimes exposed to harsh conditions. These knives are used outdoors and for hunting a great deal, which means a lot of exposure to moisture, blood and other corroding substances. The blade on these knives will sometimes develop a few spots of rust here and there especially if the knife if used regularly and you've at it for a long time. This is entirely fixable and, if you perform the procedure correctly, your knives will be as good as new. There are multiple ways to go about cleaning the rust off of a knife blade.
One obvious method is to use oil. Bowie knives with expensive blades should be oiled regularly, anyway. Not only does oil prevent rust, however, but it removes it. Clean off any excess dirt or flaked metal off of your Bowie. After this is done, apply a thick coat of oil to the blade. The next step requires patience. Let your knife sit for a minimum 72 hours. After it's sat for a while, take a toothbrush or a sharp tool and, after wiping off the oil, use that tool to remove any remaining rust spots. Remember to lightly oil the blade before putting it back in the sheath.
You can also use citric acid to remove rust. You can buy lemon juice in bottles at most grocery stores, and this is what you'll want. Rub the blade down with the juice and then wrap it in a cloth. Get the cloth wet with lemon juice, as well. The knife will have to sit for a while again but, after it's done, you should be able to wipe away the rust spots with a soft cloth, a toothbrush or a metal tool. Some people clean their bowie knives in this fashion as it requires no harsh chemicals.
Vinegar can be used in much the same fashion as can citric acid or oil. The most important thing to remember with caring for the blades on Bowie knives is that they should always be dry of any water and given a light coating of oil when they're stored.
These blades can last much longer than a lifetime if they're cared for, and will generally last less than a year if they're not. Knives are elegant tools and are often made of very expensive steel. This makes them durable, even when their blades have become rusted from improper care or disuse.
