Removing rust spots

When removing rust spots from blades it is important to use something that is harder than the rust but softer than the steel blade. Abrasive papers are too hard and will leave scratches in the steel, and surprisingly so will ordinary steel wool. Stainless steel however, is harder than rust but softer than blade steel.

Stainless steel wool and wax modelling tools

So, for removing light rust deposits stainless steel wool is ideal.  This is not usually available at hardware stores but can be obtained from automotive suppliers where it is used for filling exhausts. Thicker accumulations of rust are more difficult to remove but they can be carefully scraped away using stainless steel wax modelling tools and then any remaining rust can be removed with the steel wool.