SCABBARD RUST!?!?!?
In reference:
http://daggers.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/427101702/...400075285#6400075285Look at the Scabbard and you will see just the remnants of the once extensive rust!
I�m of the belief that RUST is a continuous issue that in time leads to total destruction!
What to do? Scraping , and sanding is out of the question; waxing only stops the progression temporally!?!?!? Removing the rust with naval jelly or other strong chemicals will also remove the existing paint! Sooo�.. My solution (emphasis on MY) is a gun cleaning product called Blue wonder at about $9 a tube. Don�t get me wrong it is NOT easy or instantaneous! The rust on this scabbard was thick and flaking and at about 80 or 90%.
Carefully very carefully so as not to apply any Blue wonder to the leather I put a liberal amount on the surface and waited the prescribed time, then carefully WIPED the Blue wonder off, then brushed lightly with a tooth brush ; repeat 6 or 8 times! Did all the rust come off? NO but not to despair! Next is to repeat all this but this time around, carefully and while the Blue wonder is in place apply gentle GENTLE even rocking back and forth crushing type pressure with the back of a small spoon. Gently covering all areas over a period of an hour or so, then carefully wipe the Blue wonder and residue away and brush with a tooth brush. This is the most severe part of the conservation, and I guess that I lost about 2% more of the existing original but otherwise loose paint during this stage!?!?! Repeat this method as many times as needed (my case 5 or 6 times) until you are satisfied that the majority of the rust is removed! I�m satisfied with the outcome on my SCHAAFF hj and consider the condition of the scabbard to be commensurate with the overall condition of the knife.
So there you have it. I AM NOT ADVISING THAT YOU TRY THIS METHOD ON YOUR ARTIFACTS, it is just the way I roll and I would be interested to know if there is/are any other or recognized conservation methods for removing or arresting rust on Third Reich dagger scabbards? Phew!
Thank you THANKYOUVERYMUCH
John aka blairbunker Gold GDC#o238
