Bianchi by Cooper

W

WyoCowboy

Joined
May 6, 2016
Messages
6
Hello, I'm new to the forum and I'm looking on some information regarding the Bianchi by Cooper that belonged to my Dad since the late 60's. I read somewhere on line that only 100 of these were produced. If that is correct, what is the current value of these. It is in very good condition. Also, he wrote his name on the sheath back in the late sixties with a permanent marker and it is still there, although quite faded. Can the sheath be cleaned or restored, or should I leave it be. Thanks for any help.

WyoCowboy
 
Hi,

You can't ask for values on BFC without becoming a paying member, sorry about that.

The sheath is likely tan colored leather and the magic marker likely Sharpie.....it's in there forever. Sunlight/UV MIGHT help fade it out some. You can TRY rubbing alcohol, it's just not likely to help much...but won't hurt it either.

Follow that up after it fully dries with some good leather conditioner.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Oops, sorry for the screw up RE: Value. Thanks STeven, for the info on the sheath, I will try the rubbing alcohol and leather conditioner. Do you know by chance, if Cooper did only make 100 of the knives for Bianchi? I'm new to the "blade" scene. I do have a Japanese Officers sword that my uncle brought back from WWII which has some areas of rust. I recently refinished the blades of a Case Old Timer, removing some rust and bringing the blades to a mirror like finish, all by hand sanding and buffing. Should I feel safe using the same method, 400, 600, etc. up to 2000 grit and then finishing with a cloth buff. I don't want to affect the value of the sword. Thanks again for getting back to me.
WyoCowboy
 
What model is your Bianchi/Cooper. I had an 8-inch Bianchi/Cooper bowie that unfortunately was stolen on Okinawa. I took it to Vietnam but it rusted if you looked at it, so it stayed in camp. John
 
Thank you for your service John! Sorry to hear about your loss. Mine is a hunting knife with a 5 3/4" blade...10 1/4" overall. This one spent its whole life in Wyoming in about 0% humidity, so I haven't seen the rust problem. There is a Cooper Bowie for sale right now on E-bay. It's a beautiful knife, too expensive for me though.
 
WyoCowboy said:
Oops, sorry for the screw up RE: Value. Thanks STeven, for the info on the sheath, I will try the rubbing alcohol and leather conditioner. Do you know by chance, if Cooper did only make 100 of the knives for Bianchi? I'm new to the "blade" scene. I do have a Japanese Officers sword that my uncle brought back from WWII which has some areas of rust. I recently refinished the blades of a Case Old Timer, removing some rust and bringing the blades to a mirror like finish, all by hand sanding and buffing. Should I feel safe using the same method, 400, 600, etc. up to 2000 grit and then finishing with a cloth buff. I don't want to affect the value of the sword. Thanks again for getting back to me.
WyoCowboy
Click to expand...

Without seeing the sword, any value cannot be speculated on.

Regardless, the LAST thing that you ever want to do to a Japanese blade is treat it like you mentioned. Don't touch it with anything other than mineral oil and a soft cloth.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
More antique knives and swords have been ruined by trying to make them spiffy again than probably any other means.
 
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