All About Pocket Knives

Hey all: I recieved this little knife the other day from a work buddy. It is White synthetic that has yellowed with age. The pile side has an unusual anomaly on it. It looks as if the synthetic has a smoke like pattern on it. Synthetic I dont believe outgases. I know celluloid does. It has not affected the liners, blades or bolster. Dies it look worrisome to others? This is a Tested XX knife so it is quite old. Thought I would ask he experts their opinions. Thank you for any insight.

It almost appears to have been resting against something that transferred a rust stain to it.

C-WADE7 wrote: ↑Thu Sep 25, 2025 11:19 pm It almost appears to have been resting against something that transferred a rust stain to it.

Quite possible. Just got a smoky look.

Could it be a burn? Kinda looks like it layed up against a burning cigarette.

Railsplitter wrote: ↑Thu Sep 25, 2025 11:45 pm Could it be a burn? Kinda looks like it layed up against a burning cigarette.

Could be Rick. It's still smooth as the surrounding surface. No divot or nothing. I really dont know. Thank you or your suggestion. It's quite unusual.

It appears some of the "synthetic" material was lost leaving the end of the damaged area below the top of the bolster. That is consistent with a burn which was my first guess. That makes two votes for a burn. However, it's in your hands so you are in the best position to figure it out.

Nice old knife. It deserves some pocket time.

Interesting. It does look as if it overheated and burnt. I don’t know what Case used for “white synthetic” covers during the Tested XX era, but since they used celluloid liberally at that time for other colors, I would not rule it out. It may or may not be celluloid so just in case my recommendation is to treat it as if it is celluloid. Keep it separated from other knives, and keep an eye on it.

Ken

Could be Rick. It's still smooth as the surrounding surface. No divot or nothing. I really dont know. Thank you or your suggestion. It's quite unusual.
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Could be just a stain. since it is still smooth, I don’t think it is a burn mark. A burn mark would be rough and cratered
Just my personal opinion for what it’s worth.

edgy46 wrote: ↑Fri Sep 26, 2025 9:31 am Could be Rick. It's still smooth as the surrounding surface. No divot or nothing. I really dont know. Thank you or your suggestion. It's quite unusual.

Could be just a stain. since it is still smooth, I don’t think it is a burn mark. A burn mark would be rough and cratered
Just my personal opinion for what it’s worth.
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I believe it's probably a stain as you suggested. I appreciate all the comments. Whatever it is, I consider it unique to this knife.

Mumbleypeg wrote: ↑Fri Sep 26, 2025 1:21 am Interesting. It does look as if it overheated and burnt. I don’t know what Case used for “white synthetic” covers during the Tested XX era, but since they used celluloid liberally at that time for other colors, I would not rule it out. It may or may not be celluloid so just in case my recommendation is to treat it as if it is celluloid. Keep it separated from other knives, and keep an eye on it.

Ken

Thanks Ken! I will keep it separated. Maybe it was just a stain in the synthetic when they put the covers on. Appreciate you.

Modern Slip Joints wrote: ↑Fri Sep 26, 2025 1:10 am It appears some of the "synthetic" material was lost leaving the end of the damaged area below the top of the bolster. That is consistent with a burn which was my first guess. That makes two votes for a burn. However, it's in your hands so you are in the best position to figure it out.

Nice old knife. It deserves some pocket time.

Thank you sir. I will give it plenty of pocket time! Appreciate you.

Thank you gentleman for taking the time to comment on this one. Guess it will remain a mystery for now. It will be carried and used as was it's intended purpose. Have a great day fellows!!