When you want to make your knife blade shine, it is important that you learn how to do it properly. It will help you avoid costly repairs in the future and ensure that your knives are always sharp.
A good way to make your knife blade shiny is to mirror polish it. This will help it to have a smooth and reflective finish that will increase its cutting ability.
Steel Wool
If you have a knife with rust spots that are too deep to get rid of with baking soda, try using steel wool. This abrasive tool can make your blade look brand new again.
This versatile abrasive is available in eight grades that range from extra coarse (grade 4) to super fine (grade 0000). It is great for cleaning, polishing, and buffing tasks.
It can also be used to scrub and remove stains from windows. It’s a safer alternative to soap and water, and it doesn’t damage the glass like common abrasives.
It’s a little risky to use this technique, but it can result in beautiful images. Just be sure you use it in a dark area, away from flammable material, and wear protective gloves.
Vinegar
Vinegar is an acidic substance that can be used to make your knife blade shine. It can also help prevent rust from forming on your blades.
Vinegar’s acidity depends on its pH value, so it’s important to choose the right kind for your needs. Some types of vinegar have high pH values and can give your blade a black or grey color.
The exact color you get will depend on how long your blade sits in the vinegar. It can take a few hours for a black patina to form, and a few more for a gray one.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a common leavening agent used in recipes to help cakes, muffins and breads rise. It is activated by a liquid acid like lemon juice, buttermilk or yoghurt that creates bubbles of carbon dioxide.
In addition to baking, it also works wonders as a natural deodoriser, helping absorb strong odours from sweat and bacteria underneath our armpits. It can even be used as a pest control agent to keep ants out of your house.
If your knife blade is rusted, make a paste of water and baking soda to remove the rust stains. Apply the paste on the rust spots and let it sit for at least an hour. Rinse well with water and dry thoroughly.
Lemon
A lemon is an important ingredient in countless recipes, and it can also be used as an all-purpose cleaner around the house. It can help remove rust stains from carbon steel knives, add a shine to pans and pots, and more.
One regular-sized lemon contains about 2 tablespoons of juice. If a recipe calls for more, you’ll need to halve or slice additional lemons.
Citrus fruits, including lemons, contain antioxidant compounds that may be beneficial to your health. They reduce the risk of certain diseases, like cancer and AIDS, improve digestive health, and help with weight management.
Cork
Cork is a natural surface that you can rub your knife blade over to get rid of rust. It will also help remove black spots and keep your blade shiny and scratch-free. Use a flat end of the cork to clean your blade, and then wipe it off with a soft rag. If you need to clean your blade more, you can always add a few drops of lemon juice. This method is especially effective if your knife has been in contact with a lot of moisture or ash from a fireplace.
A cork belt will give you a great mirror shine, but it’s going to need a little work to get there. New cork belts have a very uneven surface, and you need to knock down the high points to get a smoother, more shiny finish. You can do this with green chrome compound, but you’ll have to do it often until you get the finish you want.