Hey folks,
I'm debating restoring my grandfather's WWII bayonet.
The blade is in pretty good shape. Virtually all surface rust, no pitting on the fingernail scrape test.
There's a bit more texture to the metal of the hilt. A bit of dimpling around the outside of the crossguard.
On the scabbard, about 40% of the paint is missing, and covered with surface rust where the metal is exposed.
Restoring the scabbard I guess is simple enough. A soak in a paint solvent, a scrub with fine steel wool, and a layer of paint.
Ditto for the blade, a scour with a rust solvent.
The hilt I'm not so sure about. There are nooks and crannies in it where the bayonet mounts, and also just beneath the cross guard. The screws through the timber.
Too complicated for a manual scrub without missing corners or damaging the wood further. Is there something suitable to soak it in to bring back the steel in the hilt without affecting the wood?
I'm no expert in such things. Interested to hear what people would suggest on methods of restoration for the various parts if I were to go ahead.
Cheers.