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How to restore an Antique Knife
Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2025 7:11 am
by jamesbell
Hello,
I picked up this knife at an antique store because it reminded me of my dad's old Case knife. I want to restore it and get it back into good condition, but I've never done anything like this before. Does anyone have advice on how to go about it?
The mechanism works perfectly, but the blade wobbles in all directions when it's extended.
Re: How to restore an Antique Knife
Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2025 12:45 pm
by 1967redrider
Cool knife and pattern, probably needs to be re-pinned. I would practice on some junkers first, and there's a whole forum group of topics on knife repair.
https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/kn ... m.php?f=48

to AAPK, looking forward to seeing the end result.

Re: How to restore an Antique Knife
Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2025 5:26 pm
by OLDE CUTLER
Good advice as the first few are likely to be unusable. Practice the repinning until it looks good on cheap knives first.
Re: How to restore an Antique Knife
Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2025 8:17 pm
by Bill DeShivs
If you just want to repair it yourself, buy a bunch of old knives at a flea market or off Ebay. Practice on them.
You will need a small hammer-a tack hammer will do, brass rod in the appropriate sizes, some sort of small anvil, files, pin punches, a bench vise comes in handy, wet/dry sandpaper-320 grit to at least 600 grit, and power buffing equipment.
Or, if you simply want the knife repaired properly-send it to one of the repairmen here. Repairing knives can be an interesting and rewarding hobby.
Re: How to restore an Antique Knife
Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2025 11:28 pm
by Reverand
Here is a video I made on knife repair. There are a lot more out there, and a lot of guys who are far better at it, but it will give you an idea of what all is involved.
https://youtu.be/jCPPXNGeJi4?si=_1q4N557rN27adbI
Your repair should be easier, as you will just be removing and replacing the pivot pin, most likely.
Re: How to restore an Antique Knife
Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2025 1:29 am
by Mumbleypeg
The blade patina gives it character that the knife will lose if you polish it. JMO. Impossible to say for sure without having it in-hand but as said already, it likely just needs to be re-pinned to fix the blade looseness. Otherwise it’s a beauty just like it is.
Ken