Butcher knife restoration project

[Patrice Lemée]

To help transition back into the shop after a long time doing almost nothing knife wise, I thought restoring this old knife would be a good idea. From what I gather it dates from the beginning of the 20th century, 1919 or so.



The blade itself I know how to fix but the handle is where I am not sure. As you ca see, water got under there and there is major rust.



Popped off the scales and as you can see, not pretty.



But look at that. A distal taper in the blade and even a tapered tang. Don't see much of this in production knives these days.



Now is where I am not sure. As you can see, the scales shrunk. Cleaned up the tang a little and you can see the difference.



So do I reshape the tang to try and use the same scales or do I make new ones? Maybe even with really modern materials, like a mix of old and new. Or go for a more traditional look and try with plainer wood.

What do you think?

 

[scott.livesey]

if the knife is going to be used daily, new scales of walnut or figured maple. if it for show only, reuse old scales.
scott

 

[Patrice Lemée]

Don't know about daily but I would still like to use it Scott. Most likely gonna go with new scales but still hesitant about going the new synthetic material route. Think I could do a nice blend of old and new.

 

[Robert Dark]

Probably had hickory handles, maybe even oak. My vote is to replace the handle scales with non-stabilized hickory. Then multiple coats of, perhaps, Teak Oil.

With a little tender loving care, it will still be around long after you and I have gone to a better place.

 

[Patrice Lemée]

That is a great idea Robert. Keeping this old gal traditionally dressed. I like it, thanks.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

The original handles look like rosewood. I would make new ones out of kingwood-it's beautiful, and inexpensive.
Wire wheel the rust off of the tang, and use some Evaporust or similar to remove the residual rust. Epoxy the scales on, but peen the pin heads and the knife will outlast you.

 

[Fish30114]

The original handles look like rosewood. I would make new ones out of kingwood-it's beautiful, and inexpensive.
Wire wheel the rust off of the tang, and use some Evaporust or similar to remove the residual rust. Epoxy the scales on, but peen the pin heads and the knife will outlast you.

As is typical, I agree with Bill, I think his recommendations are spot on!!

 

[Patrice Lemée]

Yes, I also agree with Bill. Thanks Bill :thumbup: That was my plan of attack concerning the blade, only difference would be electrolytic rust removal instead of evaporust.

 

[scott.livesey]

here are two rescue knives i did this summer. they were in the dirt by the old home place. no maker's mark on top knife, family says probably bought in the 1930's. bottom knife is from Regent Cutlery, made in Columbia.

scott