All About Pocket Knives

The spines are like sandpaper. How can I smooth the blades without completely removing the patina? The knife was my father's EDC.

I don't know, it's kind of unique as is, the patina being so consistent almost looks intentional.
I'd be tempted to just lightly smooth it with some 0000 steel wool (or not) safe for glass, safe for this, and then sharpen it for a shiny blade edge, it might look really cool. Then and ID the knife, find an original shield for it and it's a sentimental keeper.

my 1 cent

I like it! If it's not rust, can you have too much patina?

Thanks, @SwedgeHead and @1967redrider!

occam wrote: ↑Sun May 25, 2025 3:24 pm The spines are like sandpaper. How can I smooth the blades without completely removing the patina? The knife was my father's EDC.dadsknife.jpeg

Welcome here, occam.
Considering it was your fathers I wouldn't do too much to it.
It appears to have pitting which you will not get rid of.
I like SwedgeHeads approach. 4x steel wool with a bit of WD40 - lightly.
Sharpen it, if that appeals to you, and oil the joints and use it or display it.
Looks like the blades are all there for you.
Nice knife!

I might be wrong, but it looks like a phosphoric acid rust remover has already been used. So a little light rubbing with oil and 0000 steel wool is good advice.
Beyond that, my opinion is find a replacement shield to glue in, put a small drop of light glue in the pin crack, oil, sharpen and carry as is. Save the character that dad put into it. DON’T use any power tools to buff or sand.
If the desire to remove the pitting is too overwhelming, there is ‘how to’ info aplenty online. Select instructions that emphasize maintaining crisp edges and flat surfaces. Once you round off the metal at places like the spine or tang the originality and character are forever gone.
Froe

occam wrote: ↑Sun May 25, 2025 3:24 pm The spines are like sandpaper. How can I smooth the blades without completely removing the patina? The knife was my father's EDC.

I suggest trying a #2 pencil on one of the blades to see how that works. When I enlarge and lower the contrast on your photo, that looks like more than patina. A #2 pencil will remove some of the surface rust, if that is what you have.

Thanks, @FRJ, @Froe,and @Dinadan, all great suggestions! I can't see a tang stamp, but the nail mark has a sawtooth pattern like I saw on a Schrade Old Timer. Is that a unique characteristic?

Looks like Scbrade "Peach Seed " jigged bone.

I'd first try a lead pencil on the blades, which will remove loose rust without damaging or removing patina. Then wipe it with a mild solvent on a soft cloth. If that doesn't work try an art gum eraser. Which is only mildly abrasive. I'd be hesitant to try anything more aggressive than that on a family heirloom. JMO

Ken

agree with Froe, it does look like a rust inhibitor was used giving it that black oxide look.
Trying too hard to remove it might end up with something you'd be less happy with.
Have fun with it, thanks for sharing, now I wanna try that one one of mine.
Looking online, most of the Old Timer shields are more symmetrically oval (round rectangle) where yours has a swell. I see blanks in that shape that are customizable but I'm sure you can find one that suits you.

occam wrote: ↑Sun May 25, 2025 8:56 pm Thanks, @FRJ, @Froe,and @Dinadan, all great suggestions! I can't see a tang stamp, but the nail mark has a sawtooth pattern like I saw on a Schrade Old Timer. Is that a unique characteristic?

You'll find that sawtooth on lots of knives. Sometimes referred to as "match striker".
Sawtooth is a good description.

Thanks, @Mumbleypeg!
I have identified the knife as a Craftsman 9470.

Where does one find a shield such as this?

occam wrote: ↑Mon May 26, 2025 12:09 pm Where does one find a shield such as this?

I would look for a donor knife or maybe one of our knife mechanics here has a hoard of shield and it's your lucky day. On the other hand, part of the history of the knife is the missing shield. I'd be more inclined to sharpen her up, oil the joints and stick her in my pocket and smile every time I touched or used her. Everyone has different ideas, just sharing mine

Good ideas, @bestgear!

I don't have an extra shield like the one pictured above.
But, I do have these CRAFTSMAN shields.
Each measures approximately 1/4" wide (at the widest part) X 1 1/16" long.
If you're interested, PM me.

there are handful on auction as low as $24, which is too high for just a shield part, but if you're like me and "ya just gotta have it", that's an option.

That's quite a collection, @New_Windsor_NY!
Thanks to all!