To clean or not to clean

[ivorydragonknives]

At a farm auction I recently purchased two Case XX slimline trappers. One is a red bone the other is a green bone (I think). There are no cracks or rust. The blades show about 5% loss and have minor stains. I am considering sending them to Case for a "spa" treatment. Since I'm 72 and will soon begin to sell off parts of my collection, will cleaning them hurt their value? Thanks for your opinions.

[tallguy606]

I doubt cleaning would increase the value enough to recoup whatever Case charges, plus your shipping. just my 2 cents

[FRJ]

minor stains.

Welcome here ivorydragonknives.

Can you show pictures of the knives?

[Mumbleypeg]

Here is a post created to answer your question. viewtopic.php?f=37&t=54157

Speaking for myself, when I buy a used knife I prefer to clean it myself. Although Case Repair service does excellent work, they’re knife repair experts, not collectors. Their idea of “cleaning” is buffing the knife (I know this from personal experience). If that’s what you want, go for it.


Ken

[Reverand]

Welcome to AAPK!
Yes, pictures of the knives will help us answer your question much more accurately.
Here is a guide on posting pictures:
viewtopic.php?t=50258

I hope that helps you.
Typically a good scrubbing with Dawn dishwashing liquid, hot water, and an old toothbrush does wonders. Then dry with compressed air, flush with WD-40, and dry the knife well. Then I may scrub the blades with 000 steel wool and oil. That will make most knives look as good as possible. Over-cleaning can be damaging, and while a shiny mirror finish will help to sell one to the uninitiated, it might lower the value.
After pics, the advice may change, but that is a general rule of thumb.