Antique Khukuri

[jimbowie7]

Hi,

I recently purchased an antique Khukuri.

Would it decrease it's value if I cleaned it up? Or should I leave it as is. It looks like a museum piece. Trust me ... it looks REALLY old.

If anyone would like to host the pictures, let me know your e-mail.

Thanks! :thumbup:

 

[john warren]

so many antiques are ruined by cleaning i wouldn't do it.
if your to clean it and increase the value you should take it to a profesional conservetor. your local museum may help you with this. i tought furniture refinishing for several decades so im not talking threw my hat.
i think most collectors prefer the patina of age anyway.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

If you bought one of those "Found in Nepal,in old armoury" jobs,you can do what you want with it.There isn't much collectors value to destroy.Many of the oriental "antiques" sold are reproductions that have been 'aged' in all kinds of ways.If you bought it at a show and the had a pile of them,did you notice that they all were rusted and pitted about the same?Interesting that 500 soldiers would all have the same wear and pitting on their blades.Some are real,but in the poor condition that they are offered in there is no real colectability.All that aside,if you like it,it is a good piece.I would clean up the crud ,put on some cold blue,and enjoy a nice nostalgic wall hanger.You could also use it as a pattern and make yourself a modern one from 5160.