All About Pocket Knives

Got an old worm-grooved hunter that was stored for years with some kind of oil as a protectant. How can I remove this without harming the bone? Thanks...Ken

Thanks for idea...This is a mint Cattaraugus with the etch. Do you mean put entire knife in lighter fluid. What effects will this have on rest of knife? Also,if I do this, submerging entire knife in mineral oil is ok too? Thanks Ken

WHOA, I wouldn't soak a mint 90 year old bone handled knife with an etch in lighter fluid. That is way too drastic for a classic knife. Try the mineral oil just on the bone with a soft rag but stay away from that etch.

JACKNIFEBEN wrote:WHOA, I wouldn't soak a mint 90 year old bone handled knife with an etch in lighter fluid. That is way too drastic for a classic knife. Try the mineral oil just on the bone with a soft rag but stay away from that etch.

I agree.
If there is a coating on the blade, I might clean it gently with a furniture cleaner like Formby’s Build Up Remover. It shouldn’t hurt the etch and will probably remove the dried oil.

I don’t think I would do anything to the bone but wipe it with mineral oil, then see what it does. If it soaks it up, I might do another coat in 2 or 3 days.

Lighter fluid might not hurt the steel, but it would probably dry out the bone further as it evaporates. The lighter fluid might also fade the dye in the bone.

forfleshonly wrote:Thanks for idea...This is a mint Cattaraugus with the etch. Do you mean put entire knife in lighter fluid. What effects will this have on rest of knife? Also,if I do this, submerging entire knife in mineral oil is ok too? Thanks Ken

You didn't mention in your first post that the knife was mint or etched.
You didn't even mention what type or age. Just "old".
I work on antique knives 100 years or more that are in need of restoration.
For bone this old and full of grime and oil the lighter fluid method works great.

If I had a mint condition 90 year old etched knife I would have it professionally cleaned making sure the person doing it has insurance.
J W

Lightly wiping down the handles with rubbing alcohol will remove excess oil, but then (as suggested above) a coating of mineral oil to prevent drying out would be recommended. I wouldn't soak it in anything personally.

Elvis wrote:Lightly wiping down the handles with rubbing alcohol will remove excess oil, but then (as suggested above) a coating of mineral oil to prevent drying out would be recommended. I wouldn't soak it in anything personally.

I agree with Bob on this one. I'd lightly wipe down the whole thing with alcohol, this should remove the dried oils but not harm anything. After drying i would rub some mineral oil in the handles to prevent further drying out

Thank you all for your help. This is a valuable knife and I didn't want to screw it up.Again ...thanks. Ken