Getting The Rust Off Of Bowie Knives

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Getting The Rust Off Of Bowie Knives

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. 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.

Actually, there are numerous options open to you. You can choose to use a "holistic" option, or go with a chemical cleaner. Interestingly, many natural options have very good results, except in the case of severe rust buildup on your blade. One of the first things that you can try is white vinegar. This substance has been used as a cleaning compound since wine was first invented. Simply soak a clean rag in white vinegar, wrap the rag around the knife blade and leave it overnight. When you unwrap the blade the next morning, simply wipe it down with a clean cloth or sponge and warm water. Dry it thoroughly and you should find that any light rust is gone.

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.