Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

kronckew · 19th May 2020, 08:58 AM

I'd not over-clean the blade. Black rust is 'good' stable iron oxide, Fe3O4, and adds character & provenance. Red rust, Fe2O3, is the cancerous version that should be cleaned off. If any Black is loose, lightly sand or brush it off, in any case neutralize it with a baking soda solution after a vinegar etch. Then use a good oil on it, like Ballistol.

19th May 2020, 08:58 AM	#7
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,150	I'd not over-clean the blade. Black rust is 'good' stable iron oxide, Fe3O4, and adds character & provenance. Red rust, Fe2O3, is the cancerous version that should be cleaned off. If any Black is loose, lightly sand or brush it off, in any case neutralize it with a baking soda solution after a vinegar etch. Then use a good oil on it, like Ballistol.