I am a long-time knife collector (pics below) with an interest in learning more about mechanics, repair, & restoration. I do a small amount of tool restoration as well as amateur blacksmithing, emphasis on the word amateur. I have nearly every tool that I need for restoration & repair and have done some minor knife rehabbing but would like to take it to the next level on vintage folders. My shop is in total disarray after house remodeling and as as it goes back together it will be set-up so I can do more extensive knife work. The thread on shop pictures gave me much inspiration. Most of what I've done so far is derusting, blade recontouring and resharpening then repaint and refinish.
I am also an auction, estate sale, and flea market junkie. I have found a number of decent pocket knives needing attention and that is what led me to this forum. The restoration section is excellent and demystified much of what I want to do but did not know how to start. My two best folders were a Spyderco (unknown model) and a CRKT M16. Both were $1 purchases a a flea market and needed extensive tweaks to get back into serviceable condition. I guess that is part of the game, looking at something and knowing you can bring it back. The Spyderco needed the blade recontoured after its tip had been broken off. I did that with a file and then used a Lansky to resharpen it. You cannot tell it ever had the break and it is my son's EDC. The M16 was a poly handle version. The liners were a rusted mess and the knife would not open without prying. It got a complete disassembly after soaking in el cheapo derusting solution then I repainted the liners with steel colored paint and resharpened it. It now looks like a well-cared for knife. The last one is the big Cattaraugus at the bottom. Second from bottom you can see the before. The after is the last one. On military knives I like to try and bring them back without making them look restored or cleaned up, just aged. I really enjoy projects like this.
Glad to have found this place!
ABOARD! 
