I recently tried using Nick Engle's potato solution for getting rid of
rust. I found it searching the internet and decided not to do the
reverse electrolytic process I had found.

I am not sure this method of using potatoes was a good idea. I think I
could have gotten the same results without the potatoes using just oil
and elbow grease. The biggest downside is the stink of the potato
solution, and now the tools stink. I can't get rid of the stink.

I don't recommend this. I have tried mineral spirits, acetone, alchohol,
etc... nothing will get rid of the smell. 1month after it still stinks.

Go electrolytic, don't follow his advice it is bad.... real bad.