ka bar Posted July 17, 2014 Share #1 Posted July 17, 2014 Hi guys.... I have built up a very simple yet effective toolkit for cleaning and maintenance of my US knives/bayonets A denture toothbrush Bottle of CLR 3 in 1 oil (watchmaker's oil) Soft cloth I spray on some CLR, avoiding the grips Let it penetrate for 10 mins Then I use the denture brush and get a good foam The denture toothbrush is stiffer than the firm toothbrushes They have a great bristle bit on the back which can really clean out maker stamps and clean out the junction between the crossguard and the ricasso I then rinse in water and DRY PROPERLY I use an ear bud (I think Americans call them cue tips) and dip it in the 3 in 1 oil and lightly coat all metal surfaces The 3 in 1 oil is thin, clear and won't stain (not yet anyways) This is a once off process usually once I first get my blade home The ongoing maintenance is a light oiling every so often They look great afterwards Oh, don't use CLR on aluminum like on some trench knives Make sure you do it outside or with windows open, CLR is a bit hard on the sinuses Oh, I have some white cotton gloves handy just in case wandering hands wish to play with my blades! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
etienne Posted July 17, 2014 Share #2 Posted July 17, 2014 Hello Kabar, interesting tips, what is CLR exactly ? Regards, E Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Der Finn Posted July 17, 2014 Share #3 Posted July 17, 2014 Same here - what is CLR? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ka bar Posted July 17, 2014 Author Share #4 Posted July 17, 2014 CLR is Calcium Lime Rust I am not sure if you get it in the States Its a clear thin liquid Usually in a litre bottle Its about $12-00 Lasts for ages and it removes surface rust and basically just "freshens up" the blades. I haven't used it on parkerised blades only on bright blades It gets rid of cosmoline and all the gum and gunk from my gear when I first get them. It stings on the hands if you have any existing cuts etc...wear gloves It also stinks a bit Please don't try it on your mint, blade marked Imperial M3 in case you aren't happy with the result. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted July 17, 2014 Share #5 Posted July 17, 2014 Can you post some before / after pics? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ka bar Posted July 17, 2014 Author Share #6 Posted July 17, 2014 The next time I acquire a blade, I will do it. I do it pretty much as soon as I get them So they are all done at the moment I don't do it to all my blades, only the ones that need a bit of lovin'. I don't know how to go about cleaning leather scabbards yet But don't use neatsfoot oil, it softens up the leather too much Any neat cracks in dried leather ends up becoming mushy and then those cracks tear more and more Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry K. Posted July 17, 2014 Share #7 Posted July 17, 2014 CLR is available in the US Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skautdog Posted July 17, 2014 Share #8 Posted July 17, 2014 ka bar, Thanks for the post. I never thought about denture brushes being stiffer than regular tooth brushes. I have a couple of items where Ren Wax Cleaner has left a white residue. The denture brush may be the answer to removing that. Ken Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ka bar Posted July 17, 2014 Author Share #9 Posted July 17, 2014 ka bar, Thanks for the post. I never thought about denture brushes being stiffer than regular tooth brushes. I have a couple of items where Ren Wax Cleaner has left a white residue. The denture brush may be the answer to removing that. Ken Hi Ken, a denture brush is great. It has enough strength in the bristles to actually scrub the surface but it doesn't leave scratches like wire bristles or a scouring pad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skautdog Posted July 18, 2014 Share #10 Posted July 18, 2014 ka bar, You have any connection to the Australian Army? I worked several tracking missions with folks from the Queensland Regiment (if I remember correctly) in Vietnam. They were great trackers and definitely took actions (chances) I did not normally take with my teams. Also, they always had Fosters when we got back. Visiting Australia is still on my bucket list. Ken Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skautdog Posted July 18, 2014 Share #11 Posted July 18, 2014 Board, I apologize. My previous post should have been a PM. Ken Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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