CLEANING OLD KNIVES

[BigMama]

Hello, I haul junk for a living and have recently come across a box of over 60 antique pocket knives. I am curious about the knives and look forward to researching them. My question is...How should I clean them? Some of them have rust and tarnish on the blades. All of them could use a good wash of some kind. Whoever had these knives liked variety because the handles are made from many different materials. Some of the blades are difficult to get out, almost as if they need a little oil. I don't want to start cleaning them until I hear from someone concerning this matter because I don't want to ruin them. There is one in particular that I like. It is very small and made of what appears to be brass with an engraved design on it. It is also very thin and has a loop on it as if it were used to hang on a chain or something. Can I use a metal polish on this one? Any information on this subject would be greatly appreaciated. Thanks.....BigMama

[PA Knives]

Welcome,

Here is my two cents. Depending on what you plan on doing with these knives and what they are, will determine your next step. If there are any knives of collectible value then "don't touch them" Have someone who is knowledgable go over them to determine the possible value. An old bone handled CASE pocket knife is worth more if it has not been messed with and left to the professionals for any cleaning (if any) that may be needed. If the knives are just every day users and you want to clean them up for your own liking or to give to friends, then by all means oil them and remove the rust. If you can post some photos it would allow some of the knowledable viewers of this list to give further comment. Good luck on your great find.

[El Lobo]

I'll second what pa knives has told you.

I will say that you could probably fill a vessel of some type with about 5" of MINERAL oil, enough to cover those knives that won't open, and let them soak, 1 at a time, about 10-15 minutes. Then some of them may open for you. Blow the excess oil off with some canned air (or a compressor), and wipe with a clean, soft, lint free cloth (a tee-shirt works pretty well). Don't use any other kind of oil....just mineral oil (from any Drug store). No abrasives, scrubbing, polishing.....at least until you see if you've got any treasures.

Some pictures would be nice.
If you just want to ask about some of them, post the tang stamps, (wording on the lower, non-cutting part of the blade), all blades....both sides, EXACTLY LIKE IT READS.....

First blade:

x . x
CASEXX
x . x . x

Second blade:

USA
6318
SS

We can try to help.........we like this stuff.....





Bill

[225Q]

Uncleaned is better if it is rare, just saying what everyone else has said. Post pictures and what the stamps are, I'm sure some of us wouldn't mind researching those knives that you have and letting you know what they are.