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**Paul R.** · 06-05-2012, 12:32 PM

It's best to conduct a WAF site search and draw your own conclusions to the problem. From a conservator point of view is to do very little to prevent damaging it further.
However your question should be. What has lead up to the rust. That answer is only for you can tell. Never never store any blade in its scabbard. Never oil any blade. You may think that oil will stop rust but if fact oil attracts moisture, dirt, and grime. Unless you plan on oil the blade on a daily bases.
Humidity is a huge factor number #1. Reduce humidity omit rust. Never touch the blade with your hands (conduct a WAF search on handling items without gloves). A lot of these topics have been covered over and over.
I would not use any polish. Polishing may reduce the rust. However metal polish has fine micro abrasives in it and will scratch your blade.

Of course these are your items to do with as you see fit.

**stuart a.** · 06-05-2012, 12:53 PM

hi paul

did a search of the forum and others before posting, as the same questions seem to come up over and over again,but found lots of diff ideas without many solutions. the one idea that seems to turn up a lot is to use a 2b pencil but again ideas but no mention of any results so has anyone used that and what results did you get???.
i never keep them in theirs scabbards and never put oil on them,and never handle them without gloves,to be honest i have never put anything on them and that might be the problem. where i keep the humidity is about 50 which i assumed was okay after reading other posts

**Paul R.** · 06-05-2012, 01:45 PM

50% is a bit high. Whats the ambient temperature(without room lights) at 68- 70 degree humidity should be 43-45%. Ren wax is good to use before rust appears.

**Darrell** · 06-05-2012, 01:48 PM

The pictures are gone, but I think I can remember seeing the medal. It was a Victory Medal correct?

Be careful ... thats not a finish that likes polishing. You'll take it right off the medal if not careful.

Like the old saying goes, Leave well enough alone. If it was a Silver BWM etc. then you could do something safely to it ...

**stuart a.** · 06-05-2012, 01:54 PM

ambient temp is 63, with a humidity of 50%, does tend to be a bit lower as a norm.

have ordered renwax now for the blades to preserve them better but want to try and remove the sml rust spot before applying

**Paul R.** · 06-05-2012, 07:48 PM

Just an FYI.. A little Rex Wax goes a long long way.

**stuart a.** · 06-06-2012, 01:27 PM

dont know why the pics have gone, its a hj dagger i have the issue with dar,

http://www.servimg.com/image_preview...239&u=12147407

**phild** · 06-06-2012, 02:46 PM

Originally posted by stuart a. View Post

dont know why the pics have gone, its a hj dagger i have the issue with dar,

http://www.servimg.com/image_preview...239&u=12147407

Stuart,

There will be many different opinions so take mine with what you want to.

The rust is very light right now on the blade that you posted. If the conditions (humidity and oxygen could be always kept below the level needed for iron oxide to form you would be ok right now.....if not those posts will get much worse in time and new areas will form.

You have to understand that rust is not something that is ON the metal, but rather IS the metal....or more correctly what WAS the metal before it corroded.

Having said that a simple technique that has been used for many years is to use a light machine type oil, the lead point and even the wood around the lead of a pencil to rub off the rust and remove it while doing no damage to the steel blade as it is much harder than the graphite and spruce wood.

You can wipe the blade down with a clean soft cloth to remove the oil, lead traces and rust residue.

There may be some slight graying that is left on the finish from the rust (not the pencil)

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