Cleaning a machete

[DaGuy]

I have recently acquired an old machete. There is no rusting, it is just dirty and grimy. It is made of spring steel and is made in Guatemala. If any of you know how to clean such a blade, please tell me. It is greatly appreciated.

 

[Loosearrow]

Kerosene and steel wool.

 

[Squashfan]

Kerosene would probably work, thought I have never tried it. My method for getting hardened dirt off is a wire wheel on a benchgrinder. I think you can use an angle grinder instead. You have to wear eye protection and possibly ear as well. Also, the wires come off either tool like little arrows. Wear jeans or a similar tough material and a shop or thick kitchen apron. Long sleeve are preferred. Last time I was working I was wearing a light jacket open over the apron to cover my arms and when I was finished, I found one of the wires in the left hand pocket of the jacket. I know I did not turn my back to the bench grinder so that the wire could enter through the pocket's opening. The wire was oriented in the pocket like it came through the jacket's thin inner lining. Fun to use but you have to take the proper precautions.

 

[Alvaro Candanedo]

What I use is sandpaper (for metal), of different grit, with water and/or oil, coarser in the beginning, finer in the end, depending on how dirty is what I intend to clean. Is it's just dirty possibly 120 grit to 400. If it's very rusty or pitted, I begin with 100 or 80 grit.

 

[Cicatriz]

If it's just dirt and stuck on goo, use something like simple green or Dawn and a stiff brush.
Kerosene works well also but leaves a stink.

Don't forget to oil it well after cleaning.