All About Pocket Knives

Lately I’ve been picking up old beaters so I could practice on stuff that didn’t matter. My first one turned out to be a rather nice Camillus Electricans knife from around the 1946-50 short linetang stamp. Didn’t grab a before pic but the after was nice and a great surprise as you couldn’t read anything on it.

Next up was a small advertisement piece and I got before pics this time. So the question is did I take it to far? On the right track?

I did a short sonic/vinegar bath 4 or 5 mins, a baking soda bath to neutralize, shot it with wd-40 to remove water and blasted with air. Brass brush with flitz, buff wheel with some white rouge, hand polished with renaissance wax and a drop of nano oil on the pivot. Feedback is very welcome.

They came out looking great, nice work saving some goo old knives.

Looking good!
You are following a good plan in buying beaters to practice on, nobody should begin with a family heirloom!

Very nice work.
You have advanced those knives by quite a bit longer.

It sounds, and looks, like you have a recipe for success. One other suggestion I use is a dental tool to reach in and pull out some of the pocket lint and whatever else might be down in the well that doesn't want to come out with the bath.

Awesome idea, I just so happen to remember I got a 4 piece set of fine picks from harbor freight a year or so ago as a free gift for buying something there, been sitting in the back of a toolbox since I got them, they now have a job! lol

dlr110 wrote: ↑Mon Jun 01, 2026 1:43 pm It sounds, and looks, like you have a recipe for success. One other suggestion I use is a dental tool to reach in and pull out some of the pocket lint and whatever else might be down in the well that doesn't want to come out with the bath.

I use those dental tools quite a bit. Never on my teeth but they are handy for snug places.

Both knives look great.

Bob

Nice work!