Cleaning an old knife blade

[jsciii]

I just bought an old knife with a pattern on the blade. What's the best method for cleaning it so that I don't mar the pattern?

Thanks...>JC III

 

[Gollnick]

First of all, what kind of knife is it? Is it a rare collectible or just some junker?

What do you mean by "pattern?" It it etched, engraved, inked?

Also, why does it need to be cleaned? It there just dirt? It it patinaed? Is there rust?

Finally, what outcome do you want? Do you want the blade all nice and shiney? That may not be the right thing to do for a valuable collectible knife, you know?

 

[jsciii]

Doh!

Thanks for making me think...

Here's a link to the knife.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2123659687&rd=1

I haven't received it yet so I don't know what is causing the discoloration and the pattern appears to be etched.

As far as it's value...I felt it was worth what I paid. Have no idea if it has any value beyond that. Now, I would WANT to own it in it's most valuable condition. If anyone can tell me more about how I should care for it (clean or not to clean and what to use if it is to be cleaned). Personally, I would like to clean the knife with the least amount of damage to the pattern. If shiny doesn't take away from it's value then that's what I'd like. But, if dull is more valuable far be it from me to mess with it.

Thanks....JC III

 

[bob bowie]

Hi,

Your knife is a Mexican Hunting/Bowie knife.
These were especially popular during the 50's - 60's, you see them quite a bit in old sporting mag's. The horn handle, and odd motif make your's pretty nice.

Their blades are etched pretty deep, so cleaning the blade beside's reducing value, would be a pain. It could come out looking a bit "funky". I would just oil it, and pick off any active rust spot's.




HTH.