I purchased this Atlantean sword made by Marto Toledo, back in 2007. I had it hanging on the wall for a year, and it's been in the box under my bed ever since. I took it out to look at it the other day and I noticed there are little rust specs on the blade. I need some advice on how I can get these rust specs off the blade without damaging it, will steel wool work? Also I want to clean and oil the sword before I put it back in storage. What should I use to clean the blade, and what kind of oil should I use. For some reason it won't let me upload the pictures, I can email if anybody wants to see. If someone could help me with this it would be much appreciated, thank you.

Jim,
Check out this feature article: Care and Maintenance of the Modern Replica. Instead of sandpaper, I use the polish MetalGlo with grey scotchbrite pads.

If the steel wool grade is fine enough, like say 0000, it should work without causing any scratches. If you like all-natural products, camellia oil makes a great blade oil, its quite similar to choji.

If it is minor staining I would suggest just using Flitz at first. It is a bit abrasive but won't scratch,etc the metal. I have used it on what I considered rust and it completely disappeared.

I use MetalGlo and Burgundy, grey, or white Scotchbrite pads, it depends on how bad the rust is. If the rust is really bad and the pads are not working, I use high grit black sandpaper and do some light sanding.

For odd rust spots I really like this rust eraser (I get mine here: http://www.heinnie.com/Knife-Care/Super-Knife...14/[/url]- this is a US link: http://www.amazon.com/Super-Premium-Polishing...B001DMX6OG). It gives a finish like a Scotchbrite pad and I find it easier to do small spots with as you can focus the pressure you apply more easily.

Neil.

Thanks for the advice. I decided to try the flitz, it worked great took out all the little specs of rust. Are you supposed to oil the blade after polishing?