Rust and electrolysis (hoping to be on the right forum)

[Christophe]

Hello everyone, I was asked a question which I was unable to answer, having no knowledge of metallurgy. This is why I am turning to you.
Is it possible to remove rust from a blade (really very very rusty) by electrolysis without damaging it?
Knowing that I'm going to make the purists scream, I thank you for any help you can give me.

Christophe

[Lewis B]

Not sure about electrolysis but lasers are being used with quite good results. I wouldn't suggest submitting a high value sword to this process but it could be a useful technique if applied by an experienced operator.

 

 

[Brian]

I would never condone using any of the modern methods of rust removal on a genuine Japanese sword. That said, I have extensive experience with Evapo-rust on machine parts lately. Yes...it will remove all rust without damaging any other materials. BUT...it will also remove patina, and the resulting surface can sometimes go dark due to the carbon brought to the surface.
The main downside is that once you remove rust, and get to bare steel, the micro pitting left (and there is always pitting) becomes VERY obvious and looks terrible. Electrolysis would do the same. Aside from the dangers of affecting the nakago patination, the result isn't much of an improvement. There are no decent shortcuts to a proper and professional polish.

[Christophe]

Thank’s for thé infos, i will send your answers.

[Christophe]

Hi,
I passed on your opinions, the question was asked given the cost of a proper and professional polish.

[Nihonto student]

 When you realize your blade will be burned by a laser

 

[Ed Harbulak]

Electrolysis can be used in two ways. It can be used to remove rust, but then the metal that turned to rust is gone forever and as Brian mentioned the blade will be left with fine pits. Alternatively, if very low currents are used, the rust (iron oxide) can be reduced back to elemental iron, BUT, it will not look like the original blade in that the blade will not have any detail. In addition, it's a VERY slow process and not worth the effort. Unfortunately there are no shortcuts.

[Christophe]

Thank you all for your opinion on this subject.
Now- it remains to be seen whether traditional polishing is really worth it.

Sincerely thank you.
Christophe

[Bazza]

>  it remains to be seen whether traditional polishing is really worth it.

 

Christophe, maaaaate, yes it is - BUT - it all depends on the blade in the first instance.  In the second instance it depends on who does the polishing, a legend in his own lunchtime wannabe or a fully trained in Japan person who has put 5 to 10 years into in-house study with a teacher.  Then there is the wait time in the queue and the cost.  This is a BIG topic that you need to get your head around.  There are no shortcuts, none.  As you are in Japan you should have it much easier than anyone in the West.

 

BaZZa.