Please respond off-list as this is only loosely related to old tools.

I have a heavily rusted piece of what was high-strength steel in the 
1800's.  I want to restore the mechanism to functioning condition. 
Penalty for failure is severe and messy.

Would electrolysis be an unacceptable method of dealing with the rust?  
I've heard of hydrogen embrittlement, but I don't know if it is a 
serious issue.

Thanks for any advice, Gary Katsanis
Albion New York, USA