All About Pocket Knives

I don't have very many fixed blade knives, I traded for this one a long time age. It has been carried and sharpened although it is still a nice knife. I noticed it has been soldered between the blade and bolster ( I am not sure that part of a fixed blade is refered to as a bolster or not). It says made in the usa and gives a number on the opposite side. I was wondering if it would be valuable enough to have someone re-finish it. Thanks Tom

It's a guard and it is soldered on. I wouldn't spend the money having it refinished. Rub a little Old English on that wood, it'll come back to life.

Nice knife

I would not do a thing to it other than(very carefully)polishing the blade and guard with Mother's Mag Wheel Polish(or equivalent).You can even use it to polish the wood handle.I like to use cedar oil on regular wood(that is probably stabilized wood)for a nice satin finish.S&W knives of that era(probably mid 1970)are high quality knives.I have several folders and a bowie hunter with custom stag handle and they are top shelf.

I have 2 of the old Smith & Wesson American (Vermont) made sets. By the way, I didn't write on the box or pay $125 for the fixed blade but it does feel really nice in my hand. Would be a great skinning knife.

I agree with the clean-up, polishing tips given. I don't see any evidence that it needs anything like re-finishing...looks pretty good to me. Most of the tips given I would consider basic maintenance.