Removing rust from Oneida knives

Submitted by NoAdministration8006 t3_125vis7 in BuyItForLife

I inherited some flatware from my grandma, and she didn't have a dishwasher. We've noticed that the knives are getting a little rusty on their serrations, and we assume this is because we wash them in the dishwasher. I can't really see myself hand washing the knives every time, so I'd like to know if anyone has used something like CLR on these kind of knives. These would be the basic table knives with the very small serrations. No steak knives.

I don't know how old the set is, but it's from the '80s at its youngest.

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MKWolfe t1_je6iyeb wrote

You can soak them in white vinegar. About half an hour if it's light rust; overnight if it's a bit heavier. You should be able to just wipe them clean. If you need something a bit abrasive, Bar Keepers Friend is pretty good for this as well. (I use vinegar on my cutlery and also jewellery tools when needed. It works really well.)

Edit: Wash and dry them as normal, afterwards. You don't want to eat the rust residue.

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waehrik t1_je6lgke wrote

Metal Rescue. It's non-toxic and citric acid based. As long as you get enough to completely cover the knives, just leave them in for a day and all rust will be completely gone. I used to do a bunch of bike restorations and it's like liquid gold for reusing old fasteners and small parts that are unobtainable now.

Of course it doesn't remove pitting, so any substantial rust removed will leave a textured surface. When you're done, put it back in the jug and use it again next time. It lasts a really really long time.

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suedemx t1_je8ob7d wrote

Can this be used on cast iron?

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waehrik t1_je9amjo wrote

You'd need to degrease it first, then yes. But I personally prefer media blasting on cast iron

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do09942 t1_je7c0fj wrote

Follow others tips on removing the rust but you will need to give a BIFL knife maintenance FL and handwashing is a simple essential. Dishwashers are horrible for knives. They dull and rust. I would strongly advise handwashing these if you want them to last more than a few year.

The chemical solutions and resharpening will take more time and effort than a simple handwashing while also destroying the knife faster(wearing through steel from sharpening and chemicals).

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Responsible_Gap8104 t1_je8epkp wrote

No knife [that i know of] will be bifl if you run them through the dishwasher-but especially serrated ones. Just consider hand washing. Even if its a terrible pain in the ass

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bwh00691 t1_je937gz wrote

Don't wash cutlery in your dishwasher.

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NoAdministration8006 OP t1_jeb09ru wrote

I figured it wasn't great for the knives, but I honestly don't see myself hand washing them as long as my dishwasher exists.

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bwh00691 t1_jeb3vk0 wrote

I wouldn't worry about the tarnish. The dishwasher will take care of it.

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drodinmonster t1_jefkr8k wrote

Use a vitamin C tablet (ascorbic acid) and a little water. Works well for lifting metal stains from many things. It's more work than hand washing a knife though.

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