Getting The Rust Off Of Bowie Knives

Everything exposed to the atmosphere is constantly being attacked by various agents of decomposition. This is no different where metals are concerned, and a Bowie knife, no matter how expensive the blade, can and will rust. Fortunately, this doesn't mean you have to buy a new knife.

Actually, there are numerous options open to you. You can choose to use a "holistic" option, or go with a chemical cleaner. Interestingly, many natural options have very good results, except in the case of severe rust buildup on your blade. One of the first things that you can try is white vinegar. This substance has been used as a cleaning compound since wine was first invented. Simply soak a clean rag in white vinegar, wrap the rag around the knife blade and leave it overnight. When you unwrap the blade the next morning, simply wipe it down with a clean cloth or sponge and warm water. Dry it thoroughly and you should find that any light rust is gone.

Another option you can try is using an onion. Onions have acid in their juice, which can remove rust quite quickly. Choose an onion large enough to cover the blade of your Bowie knife, and then cut with a sawing motion through the entire onion. The juices should turn brown/red as the rust is removed. When you finish, clean the blade with warm water and then dry it thoroughly.

It will take time for any agent you apply to the blade to work on the rust. Plan on leaving a rusted Bowie knife sitting for at least a few days while the agent does its work. If you're using citric acid or white vinegar, you'll need to soak a cloth with it, wrap it around the blade and leave it to sit. Oil is used in the same way. After the blade has sat for a while, you can remove the cloth and work on the rust. Much of it will have dissolved with exposure to the solvent used. You can usually scrape away the remaining rust with a stiff toothbrush or a small metal tool, taking care not to hurt the blade.

The best way to avoid a Bowie knife getting rusted in the first place is to make sure that you never put the knife away wet or fouled with blood or grime. Always at least wipe the blade off before sheathing it. Preferably, you should have a rag handy that you can use to wipe down the blade thoroughly before putting it back in its sheath. The cleaner you keep the blade, the longer it will last and the less time you'll spend dealing with rust and other problems.