Colonial brand (?) miniature novelty bowie restored...

PocketKnifeJimmy

PocketKnifeJimmy

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Aug 4, 2013
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I wish I had taken a before picture. But, once I decided to start messing with it earlier this evening, I just went at it. It was given to me a few years back by an older gentleman that knew I liked collecting knives, so he thought maybe I could somehow enjoy it. I believe it's a somewhat older Colonial brand novelty bowie knife. He gave me the leather sheath, but it was torn beyond any possible repair, so I discarded it. The knife itself had some surface rust, and some minor grind marks where someone had along the way sharpened it (maybe having used a file). I like such gadgets, but I would prefer the items in my collection to be in good minty condition, or new unused (just how me and my collection is). I decided earlier today that I would spend some hours bringing it back to it's former appearance, and I am about 90% done with the work. I cleaned off the brown tarnish that had formed on the brass pins through the handle. I cleaned up the off white plastic handle scales. I removed the rust and grind marks on the blade. And then I polished the blade to where I almost want it to be (another hour or so tomorrow will achieve the final polish goal). It is not Abe Lincoln's pocket knife or anything... But she definitely has been brought back to a standard that makes her an item I will add within may displayed collection 👍👍👍🔪
 
Nice restoration. I have one similar (Imperial) that was my mother's. She used it on her desk as a letter opener.
Rich
 
Yeah, I think letter opener is probably at the top of the list of duties these little knives are good for. I have had this one in a drawer for the whole time since it was given to me. Did not know if I would ever mess with cleaning her up, but really am glad I did. Overall, there is some charm to it, even with it just being sort of a toy/novelty.
 
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I may hit it one final time sometime today, but this is pretty much close to the final result. Kinda cool to see it look in new'ish condition 👍
 
Maybe be a boys first Bowie when there a little one could be a use one just like dad has. That's the only other use I see for these


Tyler
 
Nice work, Jimmy. Should fit right in, in one of your cases. :thumbup:
(Still got your big lockback, still goin' strong, and still looking good. Rides on my belt at work many days. :) )
 
puukkoman said:
Nice work, Jimmy. Should fit right in, in one of your cases. :thumbup:
(Still got your big lockback, still goin' strong, and still looking good. Rides on my belt at work many days. :) )
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Thank you, guys... It took a few hours, but only because I did it manually, using no electric tools (low grit sandpaper, four O steel wool, stainless jewelry type polish paste, and elbow grease) 👍😉

Very glad that the Camillus knife has been useful to you! 👍👍👍
 
Very nice! I have an old Hammer Brand mini in a box somewhere waiting for me to do the same thing. Thanks for the reminder ;)
 
Those are cool pieces, I've seen them with national parks and stuff on the sheaths, so I think they're mostly men as gift shop novelties. If I had one I'd use it for cutting my dinner, but that's just me.🔪🍕🍔🍟🍗🍖🍞
 
Better than new :thumbup: I like old Colonial and Imperial knives myself, I feel they're an untapped source for collectibles. Granted they're not Robeson/Schatt Morgan quality but they both made some nice knives and when I see them polished and cleaned up to the level you did it gives me a new appreciation for knives they aspire to be. ;)

Great job... :)
 
Esav Benyamin said:
I like miniatures. You did a nice job on that.
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I too very much like the miniature stuff, although I only have a few such things.

In this display are three miniature Bowies made in China under the Windlass Steelcrafts brand name. These were each priced in the $20 range, and I must say, much bang for the buck. Their detail is impressive ☺


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I also like miniature knifes, that's why I make them. Here's a couple that I made for my uncle and cousin, they're both under 2"
 
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