Advice On Restoring An Old Weske Fixed Blade

R

radiobob

Joined
Dec 17, 2009
Messages
65
Hope I'm posting in the right place, if not please move. I picked up a Weske knife, it needs some work, but since I haven't done any restoration work on knives before I thought I'd ask for some advice. I'm just going to post the Ebay auction, I think you can see all the issues:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Unknown-Unmarked-Knife-W-Sheath-/121754244216?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2047675.l2557&nma=true&si=TW%252BcO0gdi4YYnQqhlZ5hhBOiXU4%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

The middle part of the handle on this knife is some kind of plastic-like composite, like hard Bakelite, and as you can see, someone has coated it with a hard, black something or other, it didn't come this way new. Not sure how to get it off without messing up the composite. Also, what's the best way to make the leather washers look good? then there's the cheap pot metal pommel that's cracked up. And finally, the blade has just a slight bend in it, like someone tried to lever with it, it's not much but it bugs me. Anyone had any luck straightening a blade? Thanks in advance for any and all advice.

Bob
 
You may be able to remove the paint with a heat gun. That sheath looks rotten, no saving it in my opinion. Leather is going to be old and brittle. Pot metal is not salvageable, if you want some integrity, try some gorilla glue epoxy it is clear, if all you're worried about is stability. Washers, you're stuck with sanding them, coat with whatever suits you. Straightening the blade is just rolling the dice on whether it will crack/snap or straighten.
 
Heat gun, that's a good idea, just the kind of stuff I'm looking for. Yeah, that sheath was a cheap piece of junk when it was new. I'd like to replace the pommel, not sure how these are pinned, but some epoxy meanwhile would do I bet. I'm not going to try real hard to straighten it, it's not that big of a deal, I've broken enough tips off of carbon steel pocket knives to know how brittle they are. Thanks!

Bob
 
Keep the heat gun away from the knife. It can damage the handle.
Use a file to remove the paint, followed by sanding with 400 grit paper. Use fresh 400 grit sandpaper on the leather washers-sanding in one direction only.
A replacement pommel,or similar, may be able from one of the knifemakers' supply houses.
 
Do they get that hot? I have to admit I've never used one. I was thinking of doing some careful sanding on the paint first, and it looks like it might chip off if I get it thin enough. I'll look around at some parts sites, maybe it would be easier all around if I just busted the old pommel off and took it apart to do all of this. Thanks Bill. I get called Bill a lot for some reason.

Bob
 
Bill's advise is sound. Use a number two or finer file to remove the paint, you don't want to score the leather any more than necessary. After you have the leather sanded use a snow proof or leather conditioner to condition the handle.
 
Thanks Fred, I just happen to have some fine files, and I'll be super careful. These knives look really neat when the colors are brought out. I also happen to have some leather treatment. I'm looking forward to getting into this project. maybe it'll motivate me to tackle some other knives that I've been putting off for years.

Bob
 
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