this post was submitted on 31 Jul 2025
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I have a couple old pocket knives that belonged to my grandfather. I've looked at a lot of information about removing rust, polishing, etc. I used a gun cleaning solvent with wet/dry sandpaper to take off the heavy rust and brass wire brushes. I have polishing cloths and metal polish. I got them looking a lot better, but there is some damage to the metal itself on the oldest knife. It looks dimpled. Is there anything that can be done to help with the damage short of machinery to refinish the blade or something? I'm pretty new/inexperienced so I'm open to suggestions as long as it doesn't require buying expensive tools. The knife that is the worst was from my grandfather's tackle box so it was used hard.

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[โ€“] you_are_dust@lemmy.world 2 points 2 days ago (4 children)

I updated the post to include an image. This is the one that was a tackle box knife. I'm not sure how well the image captures those marks.

[โ€“] over_clox@lemmy.world 7 points 2 days ago (3 children)

Cool cool ๐Ÿ‘

Personal opinion, what cleanup you've done already is pretty good. I wouldn't want to outright clean it up to flat machined metal though, as the more material you take off, the thinner and smaller the blade gets.

From what I see, I'd more or less just sharpen the edge (if it needs it, kinda looks like it could use it), oil it, and call it a day.

The old rust pitting? That just shows character and age..

[โ€“] you_are_dust@lemmy.world 2 points 2 days ago (2 children)

I pulled it through a sharpener, but it didn't seem to do much for it. Just one of those kitchen counter sharpeners. I'm finding that those don't really do a whole lot I guess.

[โ€“] Enkers@sh.itjust.works 1 points 2 days ago

Those things are pretty much useless. Cheapest good option is a diamond stone. https://youtube.com/watch?v=pagPuiuA9cY

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