a project

hughewil

hughewil

Joined
Apr 12, 2011
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I found an old slipjoint at a thrift store for $1. The scales are cracked and it's covered in rust. I was able to open the main blade though and under the rust saw the outline of Ulster stamped on the blade.

I'm gonna try to clean it up and restore it. here is a picture after soaking it in mineral oil overnight so I could get all the blades open.

stuff012.jpg
 
looking forward to this, as I've got a few that need similar attention.
 
Try and soak the knife in WD40, it should make rust removal much easier. Personally I like those projects knives I fill good restoring them back to life.
Mike
 
mike Berkovitch said:
Try and soak the knife in WD40, it should make rust removal much easier. Personally I like those projects knives I fill good restoring them back to life.
Mike
Click to expand...

Me too, actually one of my favorite pastimes is restoring old knives to a usable condition. Good luck hughewil :)

Tostig
 
Nothing more satisfying than bringing something cool back to life. I'l be waiting to see what you pick out for the handles.

Glenn
 
At this point I'm just trying to get the damned rust off.

I soaked it in vinger for an hour and then scrubbed it with some fine sand paper. That has a good bit of it off, but some of it's stubburn.

I was out of wd-40 so I am running out today to get a can and some steel wool. Not sure what to do about scales, I don't even know how to replace them. I'll jump that hurdle when I get to it.
 
Here it is after soaking in vinger and scrubbed with sandpaper, ten soaked with wd-40 and scrubbed with steel wool. Not sure what the dark spts are that I cant get off, it doesn't feel like rust.

clean004y.jpg


here is the best shot of the tang stamp I could get
clean005.jpg


not sure where to go from here, don't know if i should try to get the rest of the dark spots off or work on the scales. At least the blades are getting some snap back in them.
 
How clean do you want to get those blades? In my opinion, leaving a little wear and tear on them just give 'em character. Actually looks quite nice as it is now! I vote for giving the scales a shot.
 
the dark spots are pits and it is from rust eating away at the blade. If you want to remove them, you have to remove material. However, it will most likely make the blade too thin.
 
Yeah I am going to leave the dark spots, it doesn't seem to be any rust and I figure it will patina anyway.

I do want to replace the scales, but I don't know what the next step is.

Any suggestions on how to remove the ones that are on it and put on new ones? or even where to get new ones?
 
To get new ones, go to a woodcraft type store and pick out your favorite wood. Then, cut the pins on the original scales. LEAVE THE ONE IN THE CENTER ALONE! It holds the springs in. That's the one thats rounded on top, near the springs of the knife. Then, file all the other ones flush. Trace a rough shape onto the wood. Epoxy on, letting no epoxy get into the springs or the blade cavities. Do finish work eith a file and sandpaper, then stain if desired, and you're done. Looks good, brother.
 
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Well all done. I know it isn't any beauty queen, but I took an old busted, rusted shut, throw away from the 50's and made it usable again.

It is going into my EDC choices to rotate around and will live out its life with me.

Before
stuff012.jpg


After
refurb002.jpg


Now onto my next project, this 70's imperial barlow I found at the thrift store yesterday.

bone.jpg
 
An excellent job you did on this scout knife, it turned out great. What material did you use on the scale?
As for the Imperial, note the bolsters they are usually imitation and not real ones.
Mike
 
Great job man, I love finding old knives at junk shops. I've gotten a couple great ones lately. My father gave me an old scout knife in just the same condition, I need to salvage it.
 
too late to help, but i found those cheapy brass brushes (looks like a toothbrush, but with brass bristles instead of nylon) used for firearms cleaning are the best to get rid of nasty rust in pitting. often 00 steel wool or brass wool, can't get down easily into those pitts. also those brass brushes work great for bead blasted finishes with rust spots that you can't get rid off, with standard methods due to the texture of the finish. mind you depending on the steel finish and type of steel you can get some very light scratching on some, but it polishes away easily with a flitz or similar product on a polished finish. on bead blasted and satin it doesn't seem to leave scratches.

nice job on your fix it up. looks good, and it was fun to read and see the work in progress. thanks for sharing, Sir.
 
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