To repair or not to repair?

[gjclayton]

I have a small whittler which I believe is a John Greenough Sheffield whittler knife.
It has lovely pearl scales on it and the blades are in pretty good condition. The scales are cracked and coming off though.

Now John Greenough went out of business in 1926 so do I try to repair this or leave it as it is? The larger blade has a pretty good spring to it. The others not so much. There are gaps and all sorts with the spines although the filework is really lovely.

Any advice gratefully received.

GJC

[just bob]

If your knife is a family heirloom or has sentimental value then no price is too high to have it repaired. From a practical standpoint a set of pearl handles might cost you $60 or more plus the cost of having them put on. Is your knife worth it? If it were mine and I wanted to keep it I would consider something like the faux tortoise shell or synthetic pearl material that is easily found. A set of these handles would be $10 or less. You would have a nice knife when it's done.

[gjclayton]

Thanks.
I have actually managed to find some antique pearl gaming counters online. They fit and might work out.
Any advice of refurbing the blades and scales etc? Just a light clean?
It's not a family heirloom, but I don't want to wreck and nice old knife with my less than expert skills...

[glennbad]

I wouldn't do anything that would remove that great looking patina on those blades. Some people use a very soft steel wool, or pencil lead to remove light rust. Some might just oil or wax things up and keep it as is. I always go by the plan of "do as little as is necessary".

Nice knife!

[orvet]

I always go by the plan of "do as little as is necessary".

Nice knife!

I agree with Glenn!
In general, less is more, when it comes to repairing antique knives.

[Miller Bro's]

It has some really nice file work on the back springs. I would only suggest light cleaning, no buffing on the wheel or other power tools.

The handles are in terrible condition.