My molasses and rust removal experiment.

[MountainMan]

Those interested, I had a post about a riggers knife I got at a yard sale in Montana. Here is the link: http://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/kni ... =2&t=37459

The knife was fairly badly rusted. Because of the rust, the blade, marlinspike and can opener were all very difficult to open. The farmer I purchased the knife from suggested a water/molasses mix of 4/1. He also said to use "feed" grade molasses. This is the stuff I opted to use:

After letting the knife soak in my 4/1 mix for 48 hours, this is what the knife looks like currently without any scrubbing with a steel brush or scotch brite.

I can definitely say there is improvement in the snap of the blade and can opener. I have placed the knife back in a new batch of the mixture and will take it out on Sunday with the intent of seeing if I can get the rest of the rust off.

[MountainMan]

For those that want to know what the knife looked like before the mix, here is that pic:

[glennbad]

Interesting post. After you mentioned about the molasses, I looked at some stuff on youtube. It looks like a great way to remove rust.

Thanks for sharing your results!

[1967redrider]

Amazing, who would have thought it would work?

[reddirtknives]

Hey Mountainman, That seems to be working for you but the ratios seem a bit costly...From what I read in the past about this technique the key word here is SULFURED molasses and here in Oklahoma most big stores only carry unsulfured molasses anymore.I can't remember the exact reason why to use this method other than it being less chemically harsh. An old fella at the swap meet who sold nothing but tools told me that there was nothing better than using old brake fluid for removing rust from old tools... Funny thing was, every one of his tools was rusty hence our conversation I haven't seen him since then, possible cancer from the carcinogens in the brake fluid? I always wanted to try the electromagnetic technique but it seems like a bit of a hassle.As far as rust penetration goes, I read an article about some comparison tests that were ran against popular store bought derusting agents like liquid wrench with a homemade concoction which was a 1/1 ratio mixture of acetone and any ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) with the homemade mixture proving to be better than anything off the shelf. Of course it would probably do quite the number on celluloid and other similar materials... Not to mention the cancer risk

[MountainMan]

The cost of the one pint of feed grade molasses was $8.95. I used 2 pints of hot water and a half pint of the molasses. You will love this, the ingredients listed are distilled water, natural and artificial flavors. I guess since it isn't for human consumption, they don't need to list anymore...

[royal0014]

I've read the bit about ATF. Haven't needed to try it.
Don't get brake fluid on any painted metal. It'll eat the paint off, and then paint won't stick to the metal.Worse than eggs by 10 miles

[MountainMan]

Ok, I must say I'm, a bit disappointed. After a total of five days in my mixture, the knife still has some heavy corrosion. I suspect that is was the feed molasses mixture. Next time I will try the much darker and thicker cooking molasses.

Here are some pictures after rinsing and some scrubbing with a wire brush.

[MountainMan]

I have some synthetic oil in the garage. I think it is about to get an oil bath.

[jerryd6818]

I think it did a pretty good job.

[MountainMan]

I think it did a pretty good job.

Thanks Jerry. I think I might have set my expectations up a bit high based on what I have seen and read. I'm just starting out making and restoring knives and I will always be my own worst critic I suppose.

Anyways, it is now sitting in some used Amsoil, synthetic motorcycle oil. I got to say, I'm falling in love with this knife. The stories it could tell. was it there on some seaman or bosun mate when a uboat was sunk? Was it in the life-raft of a merchant marine vessel carrying supplies to Great Britain? Did it make it to the beaches of Normandy, Italy or North Africa????? If only if it had a serial number....lol

[orvet]

If you have a brass brush, (the cupped ones work well), for a Dremel give it a try.
I find the brass brushes remove the heavy rust well and since they are much softer than the steel, do not scratch the blades.
Be careful not to get the wire brush on synthetic or wood handles though.

[MountainMan]

Ok, I just cleaned them after a week in the oil bath. What do you think?

Scrubbed it with scotch brite and then hit it with a degreaser. I oiled the joints and the blades move smoothly.

[orvet]

That looks like it did the job pretty well!

[glennbad]

Looks like an overall success!