Rust on foil.....clean it like any other blade???

[Kamagong]

Since the foil is a thin blade, should I just steel wool it and then use Metal-Glo and be done with it? Or is there anything better and easier? I treated all my knives and kukris with Metal-Glo but the foil had been sitting in a rec room....forgotten and lonely....

[Arturo]

I don't know what metal glow is, but if you have used it on other blades, I guess it's ok.

Stell wool works fine.

Don't leave your blades with your sweaty uniform.

[Fencing Angel]

A very good way to keep rust from you blade is to make a sheath for it out of PVC pipe. you can also keep the point from pokeing throught the end of your bag... just an idea

[fencingguy]

actually, sheathing your blade in PVC is not a good way to keep rust off the blade. Unfortunately the pvc traps moisture near the blade and causes it to rust. Follow Arturo's advice and don't leave your blades in the same bag pocket as you sweaty uniform. Also take your blades out of your bag whenever you're not using them or travelling. Having them sit out in the corner of your room will help prevent rust that would for if they were in a bag thats only slightly damp. I had to learn all of this the hard way, but now none of my blades rust at all.

[neevel]

Steel wool, Scotch-Brite pads, abrading blocks, sanding sponges-- they'll all work just fine. The best thing would be a wire wheel on a bench grinder. The main thing, or course, is to keep it away from moisture. As for coating to prevent rust, I'd say it's only really necessary if you're not going to be using the thing for an extended period-- a good gun oil (Ballistol, Breakfree CLP) is what lots of folks prefer for real blades. Otherwise, just keep it away from sweaty clothing like everyone else has suggested and give it a quick touching up with the steel wool when you spot a bit of surface rust cropping up.

-Dave