So, taking some of your guys advice, I bought a can of that PB Blaster, and used it and a very soft brass wire brush to start cleaning the old WWII blades.

WOW! I couldn't even open the two folders without a pair of pliers before; but now, I can just get them with my bare hands. Most of the rust is off, and the patina is undamaged. I figure some more work with the PB will really make a difference; thanks for the tip on that stuff Momaw!

While I was cleaning them off, I noticed there are some nicks in the blades, and the blade on the big one has the tip bent. So I'm going to very carefully sharpen them to fix the edges, once all the cleaning is done. It'll probably be a higher angle, so I don't destroy the patina.

After spending some time on those blades, I got to looking at my DMLE and how I wanted a different edge on it. So, using my Lansky system, I started to try and bring the edge down to a 20 degree angle. About an hour later using the coarse stone, I still don't have it down to the angle I want. That's some tough steel you made there Dan! LOL! I'm figuring I'll have to pick up the coarse diamond stone to make the work a little easier, unless you guys have some better advice..?