I have a few oldies that are kinda beat up. In particular, 3-4 camper/boyscout type 4-blade knives. The blades are kinda gummed up, as well as the internals. They are very old.

What is the best way to get them spiffed up a bit? I was thinking of actually soaking them in something (actually submerging them). Or just spraying them with a lot of Kroil and letting them sit.

Or I could just hit them with brake cleaner or lighter fluid and then some Kroil. 1-2 may have plastic scales though, so not sure.

Also wondering about touching up the blades a bit. Just to remove surface rust, not necessarily patina.

Ideas?

Thanks..........

A soft cloth, soft-bristled tooth brush, and some mineral oil...

WD-40 or soak them in kerosene. Breaks down the gummy residue, then blow them out with air pressure.

Beware of soaking the entire knife in anything. You did not specify how old, but the handles may be a composition that will loosen or curl if soaked with a petroleum based product.

I put a few drops of light gun oil on the hinged end of the blade and then work them open and closed - flushes out lots of old junk and leaves a little light lubrication for the pivot. I also use as q-tip with a little light oil and compressed air to clean out the insides of the knife. Wipe it down and keep using it.

Thanks for the replies. Q-tips and compressed air is what I used before reading the above post. It works pretty well, but does not get everything. Also used some Kroil and/or Rem oil.

I still need to do a better cleaning. thinking of submerging them in something......

For the blade I'd start with Nevr-Dull wadding and if it needs something more, go to a very fine steel wool and Kroil. You're good to go with the soaking in Kroil and blasting that stuff out with CRC Brake-Kleen. That stuff will leave no residue behind to worry about.