Try a pencil eraser- if that isn't sufficient, try a typing eraser.
Chas
Steel wool sometimes will remove light rust without scratching up
everything else.
And when all else fails go to the auto part store and buy some sand paper in
the finest grit that you think the knife to be polished to. And try to
apply it in the same direction as the last buff on the knife.
GA
I'd start using a chemical before getting too far away from steel wool- I've
used 'Simichrome' and 'Wenol' for some things; 'Naval Jelly', 'penet-oil',
etching mordant, av fuel/kerosene. You can freeze a blade in water, and
sometimes the rust will separate upon thawing.
Chas
That's a cool trick! I suppose it depends on if the blade is worth
restoring or if you just want to clean it up. I'd be inclined to just put a
new finish on a production knife.
GA
Yeah, steel wool is softer than any blade. It will attack the rust but not
do anything else to the blade. Sandpaper will grind away at everything.