It is always a fine balance ... getting off the active rust balanced with leaving patina as it is ...As one of the initial instigators here of the trick of using aluminium foil (Im still not sure how it works) to rid the blade of as much active rust pitting as possible...I agree that having ones arms collection looking as nice as possible is understandable, however, great care is needed not to over do it.
On the other hand I've seen museum collections riddled with active rust ...and I was shocked by that... Rather like seeing animals in a Zoo being badly kept...
Well y'know what I mean!
Vinegar although natural is good but some care is needed especially if used hot when it's very agressive ... and dangerous. The slower substance is cold Coke Cola...Tomato paste, Pineapple juice, in fact just about any juice....and for a few hours... then check it out and repeat if required.
Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.