Another Grandfather Knife (And I can prove it)

Cypress

Cypress

Joined
Jun 22, 2009
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I was digging through my "memories box" last night and came across this Case that my grandfather gave to me 17 years ago. I never really gave it a second thought, as I was young and had already started my Benchmade collection.

Now that I'm a little older, I have begun to appreciate aesthetics as much as usefulness :o

The model is a 5299 1/2, and I have no idea when it was actually purchased (Grandpa passed on last year), or made. Some googling tells me that these ceased production in 1970.






Here's the kicker: I've never opened the knife up to see what it had to offer as far as blades. I figured it couldn't be as sharp or useful as my "tacticool" Benchmades and Microtechs. The more I learn about knives, the more I realize that the steel in this Case could get sharper than 95% of my EDC's (M390 excluded). BUT, when I went to evaluate the blades I found something that will prevent me from ever sharpening the smaller blade...

My grandfather's fingerprint!



I guess the acids in his skin were enough to rust his print into the blade for ~20 years, making this the single most unique and valuable knife I own :tears_of_joy:

My girlfriend was less-than impressed. Maybe it's time to throw HER into a box for 17 years.
 
"My girlfriend was less-than impressed. Maybe it's time to throw HER into a box for 17 years."

Hahaha - well done.
 
Wow, what an amazing find, and a very nice knife too :)
 
Very sweet find!

Grandpa made his mark on that fine knife!

That will be one to pass on to your children!

best

mqqn
 
That Cypress is sooooooooo NEAT. The story, the knife and especially the FINGERPRINT :thumbup:

I too would never polish that away. I would however use the knife (main blade) only, in honor of your Grandpa.

I guess I'm more and more sentimental the older I get---kids out of the house and all. But that struck me about the fingerprint---way way cool :cool:;)

Paul
 
Love the stag covers & that is cool having your granddads finger print on the pen blade,what a keepsake.
 
You could put a thin coat of epoxy or something on it if you really want to preserve it. That way you could use the other blade without worry of losing him....

P
 
Oh man! Now I've finally seen a knife I wouldn't carry!!!

That thumb print is just too priceless to risk loosing to humidity or other conditions that may happen in a pocket. I may even go as far to frame the knife and display it. It makes the knife a signed item by a man who is long gone. It just don't get any better than that.:thumbup::thumbup:

Carl.
 
What a great connection to your Grandpa. Most of us have something of our relative's, but that makes it even more personal and special. I would be scared to use it for fear of wrecking the print.

But it IS a great looking knife! Tough decision...
 
There's something you don't see every day! Great find Cypress. Looks like your grandad had very good taste, that's a great knife even w/o the priceless fingerprints.

Will
 
Cypress, so very cool.

Thanks for the great write-up; I especially enjoyed your humorous self-deprecation in regards to the world of "non-tacticool" knives. :)

What a find! Even without the fingerprint, that's a beautiful knife. Sweet, that it was a gift from the start. It just had a longer fuse than many.

Cypress said:
My girlfriend was less-than impressed. Maybe it's time to throw HER into a box for 17 years.

bdev said:
First make sure you leave your fingerprint somewhere! ;)
Click to expand...
Click to expand...

laugh.gif~original
, the both of ye.

~ P.
 
The model is a 5299 1/2, and I have no idea when it was actually purchased (Grandpa passed on last year), or made. Some googling tells me that these ceased production in 1970.
The knife was manufactured between 1964 and 1969.
Click to expand...
 
Very beautiful knife. I would never carry it, if it had that history behind it. I wouldn't want to lose it. :rolleyes:
 
Wow! What a great find! I'm sure you'll cherish that fine Case signed by your Grandfather. Thanks for sharing the story & pics!

Peter
 
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