i was giving this old knive. the knife part is stainless steel and has a couple rust spots but im not sure that the handle is (i think stainless) but it has this un smooth surface i dont think its rust because its not brown. would rubbing alcohol help clean it?
stainless steel comes in several different qualities believe it or not. the real good stainless, like marine grade, will probably never rust. but, there are cheaper types of stainless steel with less nickel in them, and they will pit and or rust over time. Alcohol won't work. I would try wd-40 on it. soak a cloth and rub it to polish. if that doesn't work, try wd-40 and a very fine steel wool, like 000 grade, and buff it with the wd-40.
You can also try Barkeepers Friend.
no if it was stainless it would have not rusted, we use lemon juice and a brillo pad
Your answers are all good but I would mention that we have a set of Sabtier chef knifes that were expensive these look to be stainless but are not quite as I think that marine grade stainless does not make the best cutting edge and my guess is that your knife would contain a greater amount of carbon better cutting edge but not so stainless. As a carpenter that has to sharpen cutting tools I add that I have never had a chisel or plane blade that was made of stainless steel and the best edges I obtain are with vintage tools. Bar Keepers friend is great as is 00 grade wire wool but do not put your knife through the dishwasher as the cleaning tabs will pit the surface of your knife.
