Red Rust On Nakago - How To Treat (Covering Mei)

[CurtisR]

Good evening everyone ~

 

Haven't run into this problem before, but the nakago is thickly coated in red (active) rust and possibly was in a fire? Regardless, I can barely see the start of mei peeking out from underneath....my question is: how do I treat the red rust to prevent further damage, and is it "safe" to try soft brushes around the mei area to expose it?

 

Seems to me that if I let it continue it will simply dissolve the nakago, so why not try it? Suggestions welcome!!

 

Curtis R.

[ROKUJURO]

Curtis,

this does not look really bad to my eyes! I would not even call this 'covered with red rust', although there is some of it. The NAKAGO is intact, and a soft brush might already do the job. I even used a brass brush without doing any harm, although I had to wipe off some brass 'colouring' from the NAKAGO with oil and a rag.

Of course you might proceed more sensitively with a KAMAKURA period blade....   

[Marius]

You can use antler or (clean) bone pieces to remove the red rust. The nakago has not been in fire.

[cabowen]

Looks to be a WWII Showa-to....