Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Around the Campfire => Topic started by: JoJoDapyro on June 27, 2014, 10:19:55 pm

Title: High Carbon Steel
Post by: JoJoDapyro on June 27, 2014, 10:19:55 pm
I have a hatchet that has been neglected. The blade has turned black, is there a way to clean it up so it isn't black? I want to stripe the blade once its clean. Thanks
Title: Re: High Carbon Steel
Post by: Pat B on June 27, 2014, 11:37:34 pm
A wire brush or wire wheel. A light oil will hold down he rust dust.
Title: Re: High Carbon Steel
Post by: DLH on June 28, 2014, 12:46:20 am
A good soak in vinegar for a day or so then take a wire brush to it will take the rust right off I did that with a drawknife and some old sheep shears. Make sure you clean the vinegar off and oil it up after your done though if the acetic acid is left as is after the soak it will cause the metal to be more prone to rusting.
Title: Re: High Carbon Steel
Post by: chamookman on June 28, 2014, 05:05:22 am
About a year ago I brought back to life a couple of hatchet heads I found. Both had been sitting neglected for eons - pretty nasty. Read about some stuff called Evapo Rust - a biodegradeable metal cleaning/derusting solution, and decided to give it a try. Followed the directions and soaked the heads for a couple of days, then rinsed with water. Then used a wire wheel and then a buffing wheel - both came out really nice ! EvapoRust after use is put back into the container and can be used over and over again. Cool stuff as it isn't toxic. Found mine at Harbor Freight, but I believe most hardwares stock it now. Good Luck - Bob.