OldTimer/ Schrader 152 cleaning/sharpening Help.

[avalee710]

This is a Schrade 152 old Timer,
I have a few different Old Timer pocket knives and a older pocket knife that's a Uncle Henry..
I got these when my dad passed in 2011.
I don't want anything to ruin soooo...
Any advice for the best blocks to sharpen? oils or cleaning tips! Just a way to make it them look beautiful and took care of would be amazing!!!

[Reverand]

There are several posts on cleaning knives, and occasionally some controversy on it. (In a friendly way!)
The first thing to know is the difference between rust and a patina. Rust is damaging to a knife. A patina is the discoloration of carbon steel blades that develop through use, and is mainly an oxide layer that helps protect the knife. It is similar to gun blueing, but occurs more naturally. The blades will not look shiny if you leave the patina, but they will be protected.

My personal recommendation is to clean the blades with a #2 pencil lead (not the eraser). Scrub the rust over and over, cleaning and wiping the knife often with an oily rag.
Afterward you can scrub with some 00 or 000 steel wool. I put a little oil on the steel wool, then scrub the blades all over. I also use Popsicle sticks to work it down the inside of the knife. You can also clean the handles and bolsters with the steel wool, but do not scrub hard.
Afterwards you might wash the knife with hot water, dishwashing liquid, and an old toothbrush. Flush it with WD-40 and canned air to get all of the water out.
Wipe the blades with oil. Mineral oil, machine oil, gun oil, whatever you have that is NOT vegetable oil will work.

If you are not confident with hand sharpening a knife, you can buy a guided sharpening system like the Lansky or the Gatco type sharpeners.

Whether sharpening or cleaning, avoid anything with a motor! No rotary tools (like a Dremel), sanders, wire wheels, or bench grinders please!