Cleaning Old Knives

[burtzolotar]

Say I pick up an older knife (about WWII vintage) for a good price (range $10 to $50) and it has some rust on the blade and the leather handle looks dried out and old. What is the best way (materials and techniques) to try to clean or restore the blade and handle? Is it advisable to do so? The Antiques Road Show on PBS keeps saying not to clean antiques since that can decrease their value. My purpose is to have the old knives in my collection rather than to use the knives.

 

[T. Erdelyi]

I've used Kerosene and 3in1 oil in a 50/50 mix wiped thick on the blades of high carbon blades soaked over night then rinsed with acetone,and wiped down with a lint free cloth. This lifts the rust of of the blade, but it will leave pitting behind. Then coat with any kind metal preservative to protect the blade. Butchers wax cleans wooden handles nicely, and any type off leather cleaner should work well.
The problems with any kind of antique is as soon as you affect the natural state you impact the value.
Never buff or scour your blade as this will affect the natural grind lines and factory finish.
A simple cleaning should have no if any destructive impact on the knife.
This really only applies if you are looking to resell, if your looking to keep as a keepsake, make it look nice, if your looking to maintain historical value then all you want to do is stop the process of ageing.

 

[not2sharp]

Older knives are most valuable when they are protected. Light cleaning, to the extent that it removes active rust, or protects flexible leather, is certainly worth doing. But, do not attempt to restore, resharpen, or remanufacture the knife. The patina and original finish on the blade, and the condition of the original leather are excellent tools for validating the true age and condition of the knife. I usually wouldn't go much further than to oil and wipe the blade with a clear oil, and I would be particularly careful around dry leather.

n2s