That would be a case where soaking in vinegar mite be a bit less work… still it’s easier to do that by giving’em to my son to use his electrolosis outfit on, no work for me at all, and it even builds a little metal back on. All told, I guess I still use vinegar mostly on files….

Skip

I’ve never used phosphoric acid or vinegar on cast iron…. hmmmnn… like I say, woodies don’t have these problems, except for the blades…….

Thanks for pointing that out!

Skip

Parkerizing is a treatment used on cast iron, and Oxpho Blue is used on cast iron, so the combination should work, but testing it first might be in order. My fear is that the Japanning might be removed. In any case be careful, the Japanning is probably chock full of lead.

I am working on a lead free Japanning formula, but the results need to go through a years aging and weather before I can make any recommendations.

Bob

Myself, I tend towards rehabbing the old woodies because only the blades need derusting, however…

I am about to do a Stanley #3 which has a little bit of value, so I am going with the grey look for it. Usually I go for the extra rust protection here on the gulf coast of phosphor bluing….. Besides, all those Bob Smalser articles on phosphor bluing can’t be wrong???

Take care..

Skip

I probably need to do a new one, as I have had a bit more time to test a few more methods.

I really appreciate well maintained and formed rustic work, so the dull silver grey patina on a knife blade is, to me, quite lovely. On some old kitchen knives, The sort that started out for chopping and are now fillet knives, the varied soft hued splotches are quite charming. The dutiful use and the long care that it takes to wear down such a knife, makes it all the more charming.

Bob