All About Pocket Knives

I received a Binn and Mason small metal, 1 blade, pocket knife which had belonged to my grandfather, but may have been the original property of an even older relative. The cover is only 2.5 inches, and the blade about 2 inches.
My internet research has not been very productive. All that I have learned about Binn and Mason, I learned from your site, which was that the company was a precursor to a PA company. Does anyone know when Binn and Mason were manufacturing pocket knives?
Also, I read that additional identifying info will often times be found on the tang of the knife. However, this knife is very old and dirty. How should I procede to clean the tang, in order to look for this info?
~Rita

Start with a rotary tool, like a Dremmel. Use a brass brush.

HEY!

Don't do anything to it. PLease contact me first. ASAP, I can help you with the identity of it. I would like to speak with you.

[email protected]

HickoryNut wrote:Start with a rotary tool, like a Dremmel. Use a brass brush.

s-k

That's a sure way to get PA's attention

I agree... No harsh treatment on that knife IMO...

I hope you all don't leave us in the dark on this one. A picture or something would be nice

If you've already dremmeled it, I wouldn't show it... PA Knives might

Bryan

This is an older company from Pittsburgh. They went through several changes and owners. Pittsburgh Cutlery and Rochester Pa were later stamps. Beaver Falls used their equipment too. Later moved to OHIO as Mason and Sons. Not a well known company but from the steel town none the less. I will be providing in depth information in the book that I am doing on Pennyslvania knives. I hoping to be able to purchase an example for display in the book and to enhance my Pennsylvania knife collection. I am crazy over these old knives as most of you already know.

LOVE the new icons Bryan

Good news... I did not dremmel the knife! Ihave made no attempts to clean it.
I hope to post pictures of the knife this weekend.
Thanks for the info, PA knives.
~Rita