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I took a short break from hobbying (maybe a month, or a little more?), and when i started up again, i found my xacto knives were getting rusty.
Not sure why, they were just sitting in their case, and i haven't owned them for very long.

In any case, curious whether the Dakka braintrust has good methods for cleaning them?
Wanna get back to using them, but would hate to cut myself with a rusty blade...

Untreated metal like Xacto blades rusts quickly if there's any kind of moisture present. Buy new blades, don't clean the old ones. They're cheap and it's not worth the effort, nor will they be as sharp since it's the actual metal itself that oxidizes into rust

If the blades didn't have any storage oil on them, rusting is a possibility. I wouldn't be too worried about little rust if it's not right on the blade's edge (I suppose it would make it less sharp), but if you want to get rid of it you could try rubbing it with some oil and a cloth, or something like a Scotch-Brite scrubbing pad.

A lot of utility blades and iirc a lot of medical scalpel blades are high carbon steel instead of stainless steel as iirc holds a better edge and or is easier to harden i forget which.

but yeah as above they are meant to be disposable. i just picked up like 100 blades for 10 bucks.

Stainless steel is usually hardened to a 400-range hardness. Carbon steel is commonly hardened to over 1000. So yes, carbon steel is the metal of choice EXCEPT in applications where corrosion is a consideration.

(No, I have no idea what the numbers mean beyond higher numbers denoting a harder metal.)

For our purposes, a higher number means means the potential for a sharper, stronger, but more brittle edge.

if they get rusty, you have an extremly humid clima in your hobby area.
i have had an exacto knife in my drawer for over a year and 0 rust.

as for removing the rust, steelwool.
best way to remove surface rust on any metal.

Have you given your soul to Nurgle? One of the side affects is that all your tools will turn to rusty, filthy things. Should still work fine though.

If you want your knives to be clean and perfect, I’d recommend that you start to worship the Dark Prince. Slaanesh will make sure everything is just so.

Khorne worship is just a hobby accident waiting to happen. He cares not from where the blood flows. Tzeench is also a little twitchy. I’m not sure how you can remove mold lines with a fish, but somehow they manage.

For every problem, there is a Chaos solution! Now if you’ll excuse me, the chaplain is calling. Again.

Edit:
I’ve been informed the best way to fix your problem is with holy fire and righteous zeal. Alternatively, a good solid bayonet charge should sort things right out. Is there any problem that can’t be solved by affixing bayonets?

Working with a rusty blade, no matter how rehabbed, is an accident waiting to happen.

Spend a dollar or two on some new blades.

@Nevelon - Exalted for the immense giggles provided

@OP - I'd err on the side of just getting rid and buying new.

For your further rust cleaning needs, try brick/mortar cleaner. It's a (Mild? Strong? - Unsure) acid based cleaner, designed to eat away cement staining on walls. Obviously, common sense should be liberally applied when using any acid based liquid - but it eats away rust like you wouldn't believe and, as far as I know, doesn't substantially weaken or eat into the metal itself.

Thanks for all the input! Just went ahead and got some new ones