How to Clean a Rusty Leather Knife 
Rusty leather knives can be a pain to maintain and clean. Luckily, there are several methods to clean them safely. First, you should scrub them using steel wool. This will help get rid of surface deposits of rust. Afterward, use 0000 steel wool to scrub off the remaining fine rust. While scrubbing, use a circular motion to avoid leaving cobweb marks.
WD-40
While you may be tempted to use WD-40 to clean a rust-covered leather knife, this product does not work for this purpose. This product is intended to remove rust by dislodging water from things. However, it is not very stable and may even gum up your firearm. It will also rub off the blade, so it is not the best option for cleaning rusty knives.
The rust removal process is a tedious and time-consuming process. You need to thoroughly soak the knife in rust remover and allow it to sit in the liquid for about half an hour. If you do not want to soak it in WD-40, you can use a copper brush or other rust-removing material.
Another method is to use olive oil. Olive oil is an excellent lubricant, but it can turn rancid. Olive oil works better than WD-40. It is a good choice for preventing corrosion. While olive oil may not be ideal, it is a good alternative to WD-40.
You can also use lemon juice to treat rust spots. This method may require multiple applications. The solution should be thick enough to cover the entire blade and prevent new rust spots. You should not leave lemon juice on the blade for too long, though, as it may damage the metal.
Baking soda
If you have a rusty leather knife, you can use baking soda to clean it. The first step is to mix equal parts of baking soda and water in a bowl. Then, apply a layer of the paste to the blade and let it sit for a couple of hours. Once it has sat for a while, you can scrub it away with steel wool or a wire brush. Rinse thoroughly with water and let it dry.
If you do not want to use a baking soda solution, you can use lemon juice or a wire brush. These materials are rougher than a standard sponge. To clean the blade, apply the paste to both sides of the knife. Let it sit for an hour, and then brush the rust away with a wire brush or an old toothbrush. If the rust is difficult to remove, you can also use vinegar to remove it. But, make sure to use white vinegar, as other types may leave stains on the knife.
A baking soda solution will remove light rust from a knife, but it will not remove heavy rust. You can also use a mixture of baking soda and water to scrub it away. But, make sure not to apply the paste directly on the knife’s blade, as it may damage the blade.
Brass cleaner
The first step in cleaning a rusty leather knife is to clean the blade properly. Water is the primary cause of knife rust, so make sure the solution you use for cleaning does not contain water. You can also use a baking soda paste to clean the blade. Scrub the knife with the paste, but it should be noted that if the rust is too severe, you should use other methods.
If you’re unable to find a commercial brass cleaner, you can make a homemade version. Mix baking soda with water to create a paste. It should be thick enough to adhere to the blade. Apply this paste to the knife and let it sit for two to three hours. After this time, you can scrub off any rust spots with a wire brush or fine steel wool. Rinse it thoroughly to remove any remaining paste.
You can also use WD-40 as a rust remover. This spray will loosen the rust bonds and act as a protective coating for the knife after cleaning. It also cleans the blade and reduces friction while preventing further corrosion. The good thing about this spray is that it doesn’t release any toxic fumes. This method should also work well for a pocket knife blade.
You can also clean a rusty leather knife with a steel wool pad or a wire brush. These products have a much rougher texture than a standard sponge, and will help scrub the rust away without damaging the knife. You can also use a baking soda paste to clean the knife. However, you should be careful about using these products because they can get rusty. If you do decide to use this solution, make sure to dry the steel wool after each use.
