All About Pocket Knives

CMC wrote: ↑Tue Apr 26, 2022 1:12 am This is one of the four knives I bought for $3 each at an antique mall last weekend. I thought I'd make it useable again.

Here's how it started. Loose shell scales and wobbly blade, very dull, dirty and some corrosion on blade and scales. I already soaked it in water and dish detergent to remove most of the crud. Blade just marked "Japan"
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Pulled off the scales and examined. The scale ends were dented and had some corrosion and the liners were pretty dirty.

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Sprayed it down with auto brake cleaner, hit the knife up with some steel wool, put her on the anvil and tightened up all the pins. Then cleaned, straightened and re-shaped the scales to somewhat original shape. Then reassembled.
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Here she is all done. The blade is tight, she doesn't quite snap but closes well. The scales are tight and clean. I oiled her and put an edge on her well enough to cleanly cut paper. We'll call her good and start carrying her. Thanks for looking!
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1967redrider wrote: ↑Tue Apr 26, 2022 1:06 pm Very cool save, excellent job. Just checking- you used the brake cleaner on the shell scales and there was no adverse effect? I've wondered if there is much of a difference between brake cleaner and contact cleaner?

CMC wrote: ↑Tue Apr 26, 2022 5:43 pm

1967redrider wrote: ↑Tue Apr 26, 2022 1:06 pm Very cool save, excellent job. Just checking- you used the brake cleaner on the shell scales and there was no adverse effect? I've wondered if there is much of a difference between brake cleaner and contact cleaner?

The brake cleaner didn't seem to affect them. Not sure I would use it on a expensive or heirloom knife though. There was some pretty gross crud under the scales that resisted the water/dish soap soak so I gave it a shot and it took it right off.