A very simple and commonly used process with rusty old tools, etc. is to soak it in a solution of 1/2 white vinegar and 1/2 water. After a few days in this solution, the rust slides right of with a few strokes of 4/0 steel wool, or a coarse rag. Sometimes it just rinses off. with stubborn rust, you just let it soak a bit longer.
The downside is that the procedure removes all the rust from the pores of the metal, and if the piece is badly rusted, you end up with open pits. Plus, when you are done, you end up with a kind of raw, pickled finish to the steel. With old tools, etc, you need to re-patinate the metal to make it look right. But it works to get rust out of all the nooks and crannies. It doesn't damage sound steel or iron in any way that I have noticed. Test it on a scrap piece to see how it works.
I don't know if it would be appropriate for use on old blades. I never have.
DD
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