What should I do with this RLB scabbard?

[usmedalman]

I have a beautiful 1st model RLB enlisted dagger, but as you can see, the scabbard is a bit rusty. It has looked this same way for the past ten years so I don't think the rust is getting any worse. I was wondering now if I should try and clean the rust with WD-40 or something. Your thoughts on cleaning, restoring, or leaving it alone would be welcomed.



John

[Ron Weinand]

Scabbard Help

John,
First of all DON'T USE WD40. Any oil substance will seep under the paint in the damaged areas and cause flaking over time.
Next, I have found that for scabbards in this condition, light application and cleaning with Simichrome Polish will stop the rust, clean the area and protect the paint with the silicon in the polish.
Also, it tends to improve the undamaged paint in the areas around the rusting and will remove that greying around the spots.
DO NOT OVER POLISH, as this will leave the rust area bright and make the scabbard look more spotty than it realy is.
Ron Weinand
Weinand Militaria