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Beauty of Old, Worn Knives

I like that Wabi-Sabi ~ wasabi is ok, too.
Cal, your definition describes most of my knives.

So many great knives and stories! I'm glad I found this thread.
I will post three that I consider personal as in personally acquired brand new, and loved and used, oiled and kept razor sharp.

Except for the Japanese made Sabre Fish Knife. My Granddad bought me that when he was teaching me to fish and filet at his lake house on Lake Of The Ozarks ~ mostly crappie off the dock, and catfish off the trotline.
He was a thrifty Scotsman, and at that time ~ mid sixties, Japanese knives, particularly Sabre brand, were the thrifty choice. I'd say they competed with Imperial, et al. This was a decade or more after things Made In Japan meant cheap junk. Japanese Sabres were good quality.
Unfortunately, time moved on, and I forgot about it. Until several years ago when I found it in the bottom of Grampa's tackle box. It was rusty and crusty, and plastic baits had melted onto it. Since it's horrible condition was mine, restoring it was the right thing to do.

The two Schrades, a 33OT, and 293Y I bought new at some point during high school. Carried them every day for close to 30 years. Still do, when the mood strikes.

F929321-E-9-E6-A-4-CA9-9-E68-D0-E69955-B400.jpg
 
TL jigged 1.jpg

Not a wartime TL!!! Post WWI but well before WWII, judging by the jigging and the lock up style (likely Schrade-made like all Buffalo Cut's knives I've seen), this knife appears only gently used in its hundred-year life!! Buffalo cutlery didn't endure after WWII, so further determining it age!!
Cool old working knife!!TL jigged 2.jpg
 
Is that a Schrade or Imperial. Looks like one I owned as a kid. Sheaths sure have changed with heavy nylon or synthetic for fixed and folder blades these days. Wish I would have hung onto a couple of oldies from the early 60s. My old Puma Skinner sheath with a slightly curved area for the blade only one I got now. Has the old brass fittings towards the lower end. thanks for showing.
 
Is that a Schrade or Imperial. Looks like one I owned as a kid. Sheaths sure have changed with heavy nylon or synthetic for fixed and folder blades these days. Wish I would have hung onto a couple of oldies from the early 60s. My old Puma Skinner sheath with a slightly curved area for the blade only one I got now. Has the old brass fittings towards the lower end. thanks for showing.


Double imperial, I just rested the Schrade on it to take the picture.
 
Only three-generation knife from my family that I own. An Ulster Old Timer, it was originally my Grandfather’s, who gave it to my Dad in the late 60’s, who passed it on to me about 15 years ago. Still has great action, I do carry it some.
Ulster_58OT_-_Dad_&_Pop.jpg
 
I've sanded unpleasant edges but not to make a worn look... Sometimes it's just necessary. I've also dunked blades in vinegar to help prevent rust. Usually not on slip joints though.

This is an obligatory worn knife for the thread. One of my favorites. It's so smooth and sharp and just worn in perfectly. I imagine someone carried it for many many years.




IMG_20250908_200133136_AE~2.jpgIMG_20250908_200150350_AE~2.jpg
 
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