Cleaning and/or restoring a pocket knife (Case)

[maroonandwhite]

I have came across a few old Case Peanut knives that are grimy and have some small amounts of rust on the inside of the joints. I don't care anything about polishing them back to new but I do want to soak them in something and get them as clean as possible. Would soaking CLP or something like that hurt the handles? Would that do any good at softening the rust/corrosion?

[peejman]

I'd try something soaking in something like WD40 then scrubbing with a stiff bristle nylon brush.  No, CLP shouldn't hurt the handles. 

[jhc77]

I might be able to ask a Case family member next week on my travels. Last thing I used to break down rust on a metal was Navel Jelly( Lowes carries it I think).

[maroonandwhite]

Naval jelly was one substance I saw used online. Seems like that would be difficult to use and clean back out but maybe not. I'm assuming it's thicker like petroleum jelly.

[jhc77]

Naval jelly was one substance I saw used online. Seems like that would be difficult to use and clean back out but maybe not. I'm assuming it's thicker like petroleum jelly.

Pipe cleaner or something out of your firearm cleaning kit (couple of small patches) should remove most of the residue. Maybe even a q-tip. Not as thick as petroleum jelly.

[TrickyNicky]

Naval jelly works great, but I'd be worried about a reaction with the grips. Not that I know it will react mind you, just cautious. What are the handles made out of? Seems they've used a bit of everything over the years...

I cleaned up a few old knives last year with Ballistol. Safe on damn near everything and does a good job on light rust. A little 0000 steel wool, a few qtips and an old rag/ flannel. It's easy. :up:

[maroonandwhite]

The few I have so far are just jigged bone.