Please help a noob.....definitely says sheffield

[Carriec83]

Hi guys, complete newbie to pocket knife appreciation but falling down a rabbit hole and need guidance.

Picked this up for €1 ....its battered and cracked but I love how it looks and feels and more to the point am beyond intigued to the point of obsession about its past. I've tried to clean it up but not sure how to go about it best without causing more damage?

So far I can see 1 tang has what appears to be a club/shamrock symbol? The other tang has what I think is ... Barnasoon and sons sheffield ??? Anyone with better eyes than me, any info or helpful pointers ??

[djknife13]

It looks to be a Henry Barnascone & Son that was in business in Sheffield from 1868 to the 1920's. I would clean it with a No.2 pencil and maybe some metal polish which will not remove anything that is still there from when it was new. The metal polish (I use Wenol brand I get off the internet) will make the pearl shine and bring out it's natural colors.____Dave

[Mumbleypeg]

Nice old knife! As Dave recommended, use the lead (graphite) of a pencil. Scrub the blade as If you are writing or scribbling on it, especially in the areas where tarnish or rust exist. The graphite is harder than iron oxide but softer than steel so it will remove rust without damaging or removing steel or "patina". Take your time, use a soft rag to wipe the graphite off the blades.

For more on the topic and additional tips see viewtopic.php?f=37&t=54157

Welcome to AAPK.

Ken

[Carriec83]

Omg, you guys are simply amazing..... am off to buy that pencil in the morning!

Can't tell you how happy it makes me to know the name too.... this little item has definately awoken something in me. I am simply fascinated by it and can feel it might be the start of a collection.

[Mumbleypeg]

Omg, you guys are simply amazing..... am off to buy that pencil in the morning!

Can't tell you how happy it makes me to know the name too.... this little item has definately awoken something in me. I am simply fascinated by it and can feel it might be the start of a collection.

Happy you find this site helpful. Since you are buying a pencil anyway, the best for cleaning blades is a
carpenter’s pencil. They have a wide, strong “lead” relative to a writing pencil. Which means less sharpening . And when it does need sharpening you can use your knife for that!

Ken

[philco]

I'd second the motion to use a No. 2 lead pencil to remove rust from the blade. In my experience it has proven helpful to oil the rusty blade and give the oil a few minutes to soak in before using the pencil to remove the rust. The oil seems to soften the rust a bit, making the pencil more effective.

By the way, welcome to AAPK.

[TrickyRick]

Omg, you guys are simply amazing..... am off to buy that pencil in the morning!

Can't tell you how happy it makes me to know the name too.... this little item has definately awoken something in me. I am simply fascinated by it and can feel it might be the start of a collection.

Happy you find this site helpful. Since you are buying a pencil anyway, the best for cleaning blades is a
carpenter’s pencil. They have a wide, strong “lead” relative to a writing pencil. Which means less sharpening . And when it does need sharpening you can use your knife for that!

Ken

First time I have seen the suggestion of using "pencil lead" to clean knife blades. Sounds reasonable, since I use a tube of graphite to loosen stiff turning door locks.

[wlf]

As Ken said , a carpenter's pencil is sturdier and works best.