Sword Cleaning advice

[Robert Shoaf]

I just picked up an M89 cavalry sword to the 2nd Garde Ulans. The bottom 6-8 inches of the blade is a dark grey color.
I have tried just soap & water, and a light scrub buddy, which have only removed a very small amount. I would like to, if possible, have the lower part of the blade match the upper, engraved portion, which is decent clean, but not shiny condition.
Should I try something like 'Goo Gone", or another grease & dirt remover, or are there other options?
Any advice much appreciated.

Bob Shoaf

[james m]

It's going to depend upon what is causing the discoloration. Some "No harm" products you can try are Acetone, Lacquer thinner, Turpentine. If these don't work it may take something like Flitz or Simichrome. Both of these products are metal polishes and are abrasive so you need to go lightly and slow.
Jim

[no1canuck]

Autosol is another product that will help. It is a metal polish paste with micro abrasive in it. A small tube will clean a lot of blades if they are just grey. If you use it try a small area first to get the feel of how well it works in your case. It has the ability to bring it up to mirror finish if you have lots of time to handwork. I have used it to touch up some german daggers and the result was excellent.

Steve

[mrfabulous]

Blade cleaning.

Mothers Mags polish works.
If you ever clean an etched blade, use sudsy ammonia on the etch ONLY, rinse,then polish the rest of the blade.

[rbminis]

Autosol is another product that will help. It is a metal polish paste with micro abrasive in it. A small tube will clean a lot of blades if they are just grey. If you use it try a small area first to get the feel of how well it works in your case. It has the ability to bring it up to mirror finish if you have lots of time to handwork. I have used it to touch up some german daggers and the result was excellent.

Steve

I agree with this.
Autosol is the best product for cleaning that I have found so far.
You will never be able to get rid of the greying completely without re-dressing the blade.
As a miniature knife maker, (that means that everything I make is examined minutely), I have tried a number of products and methods. You should only use a soft cloth and small amounts of Autosol. Rub in the direction of the blade and it WILL take some effort.
You may end up with some of the greying still in place and a shinier surface. If you are not satisfied with this, you can use some well used 600 grit sand paper and a flat hardwood stick to achieve what is called a "satin" finish which will remove the shine.
Ralph.
Here are two of my pieces, one with a gloss finish, and one with a "satin" finish.

[Erich B.]

Your miniature knives are gems!
Erich

[Robert Shoaf]

Many thanks for the advice.

Bob Shoaf

[rbminis]

Your miniature knives are gems!
Erich

Thank you Erich!
A couple more here.
http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=909980
Ralph.

[Erich B.]

They are just incredible.
Are the knives at a specific scale or do you vary the scale (e.g, 1/6, 1/12)?
Erich

[rbminis]

They are just incredible.
Are the knives at a specific scale or do you vary the scale (e.g, 1/6, 1/12)?
Erich

Thank you Erich!
The scale varies, it depends on the appearance and the purpose.
Here are a few more.
Ralph.

[Erich B.]

Just amazing!
Erich

[Gaspare]

Wow,,thats some fine work your doing!! Congrats!