Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post - In very rusty condition ...but is this a Khanda??

Ian · 2nd March 2007, 04:35 PM

Hi katana:

Cleaning heavily rusted steel is always a challenge. One method that I have found very useful at times is mild abrasive blasting using an agent that is not likely to remove the underlying metal. This excludes potent abrasive materials like sand. It is possible to use peanut shells and other organic matter, or a proporietary product such as "Black Beauty." I put masking tape over delicate areas such as koftgari to prevent them being hit by the abrasive as it may dislodge delicate koftgari work or loose inlaid pieces -- hand rubbing is safer.

Of course, you need an abrasive blasting cabinet with good ventilation. I have a friend who lets me use his cabinet -- lucky me -- but if you also have access to such a cabinet it can save hours of hard work and creates a matt finish on the metal after rust removal. I always polish by hand afterwards and use no power tools.

Good luck with that project. I suspect you will be pleasantly surprised.

2nd March 2007, 04:35 PM	#5
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,361	Nice old warrior! Hi katana: Cleaning heavily rusted steel is always a challenge. One method that I have found very useful at times is mild abrasive blasting using an agent that is not likely to remove the underlying metal. This excludes potent abrasive materials like sand. It is possible to use peanut shells and other organic matter, or a proporietary product such as "Black Beauty." I put masking tape over delicate areas such as koftgari to prevent them being hit by the abrasive as it may dislodge delicate koftgari work or loose inlaid pieces -- hand rubbing is safer. Of course, you need an abrasive blasting cabinet with good ventilation. I have a friend who lets me use his cabinet -- lucky me -- but if you also have access to such a cabinet it can save hours of hard work and creates a matt finish on the metal after rust removal. I always polish by hand afterwards and use no power tools. Good luck with that project. I suspect you will be pleasantly surprised.