Bought my first vintage slipjoints (pics inside) I need some advice and some input?

S

STEVENKIM

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Nov 28, 2005
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So I bought these two imperial jacks off ebay, what do you guys think? I got them both for 8 dollars.

"Both of these vintage 2 blade pocket knives are approx 3 & 1/8 inches long when closed. Both are marked on the large blade "Imperial, Providence, R.I.", the small blades have patent numbers."

So what do you guys think? Good buy?

How shall I go about caring for them? I read about soaking them for awhile in water and soap? Then rinse then scouring the blade with fine steel wool? Then applying mineral oil on the blade to prevent rust? Is this correct?
 
Scares me, STEVENKIM, to think someone would advise soaking a knife in soap and water :eek: ! I've rinsed 'em off in very hot water, then blown them out right away, followed by lubricant or protective spray when they are completely dry! Soak them for a while in water, and you might corrode places you'll never be able to clean!:thumbdn:
There is lot's of much better advice out there, and I'm sure someone will chime in here who cleans knives, to give you some better ideas!
By the way, Imperial knives are one of the forgotten collectibles, IMHO! The Schrade Forum (here on BF) guys have a few things to say about them, as Imperial became part of Imperial-Schrade.
And $8 isn't bad for a couple of working knives!
 
If you plan on preserving it pretty much the way it is, don't use steel wool. It will actually scratch certain surfaces (i.e., bolsters and liners).

BreakFree will generally get the junk and crud off. I soak the knife for a day or two, do a good wipe down (very soft cloth), hit it with air (compressor), then lube with a light oil such as Rem Oil, and finally, open it up and rest it on an old t-shirt for several days.

If the blade is in poor shape, I'll hit it with a "soft" bristle toothbrush, after the initial soaking.
 
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