Bayonet conservation

[Gilevi]

I have a crag bayonet that i want to do a conservation on. usaly i boil and card. the issue is you can not remove the wood grips. would steaming the parts hurt the wood? what are the other options

[Roy]

You have some photos? Yes steam could swell the wood and then it may crack as it dries, it may also introduce moisture under the grips. If the blade is rusty i'd use electrolysis on the blade only and a brass brush with your favourite rust eliminating lubricant on the handle.

[Gilevi]

Its a standard krag bayonet. No rust on the blade. Its all on the handle

[browningautorifle]

You could use a rotary stainless brush on a dremel to remove the handle rust, they do a great job of taking off all the rust and leaving things clean. Don't soak it in anything.