Grandfather's Boker Tree Brand - Please tell me whatever you can!

K

Knoobie

Joined
Feb 24, 2015
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I recently found a knife my grandfather gave me many years ago, when I was probably 12-14 years old. I liked knives back then, but I didn't have the appreciation for heirloom knives that I do now. I hope you guys can tell me a little something about this knife. For the record, there is no way I would consider selling this knife, even if it turns out to be from a cracker jack box! I would just love to know a little history about the time period, even if I'll never know this one's whole story. Thanks!

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So it's at least 10yrs old -assuming old mate bought it new
We could call it an equal ended 2 bladed jack knife with a main spear blade and secondary pen blade.
Looks like jigged bone scales rather than synthetic.
A little wipe with some light oil wouldn't hurt it.
 
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Knoobie said:
Well, maybe many was a bad word. I'm 25. Half my life=many, to me at least! :)
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Not to worry. It just makes it that much easier for the folks to answer if they know whether the time span is years or decades.
 
Just an observation -I don't think it has had much of a life -It looks like it has lain around on the shelf for a few years. Blades still really full and pretty much untouched.In very nice condition. Which is great because most things from grandads are usually just about used up.
 
Yeah, as far as I know, this wasn't by any means a favorite knife of his or anything. Just something he had laying around. I have moved around quite a bit, with school and everything, so I know it has spent the last 7-8 years sitting in a storage box.
 
What would be the suggested method for cleaning it up. It doesn't look like there's any actual damage to the knife, just some buildup that should come off pretty easily. Just don't want to use anything that will mess with the scales.
 
Knoobie said:
What would be the suggested method for cleaning it up. It doesn't look like there's any actual damage to the knife, just some buildup that should come off pretty easily. Just don't want to use anything that will mess with the scales.
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The first host is taking a clean rag with a little oil on it, and just rubbing it to see how much of the gunk/dirt comes off easy. Then maybe, just maybe, a light buffing with some 0000 steel wool, v try gently. This for just the blades. The bone scales I'd not do anything but some mineral oil on a soft cloth and buff.

It has great patina and I don't think I'd want to destroy that. It's in great shape, as meako said, and I think it would make a great pocket knife for daily carry. What a great way to remember your granddad by carrying his knife. Lots and lots of miles still in that one. :thumbup:
 
Some 0000 steel wool and oil rubbed gently on the steel would clean it up a little. I would not want to over clean it and lose the blade etch. Go slow and be gentle.

Nice Boker, BTW. ;):)

Looks like Jackknife replied while I was doing same. Looks like we had similar advice. :thumbup::D
 
It's a beautiful knife, despite the line of rust with pitting that would be at the edge of the handle if the knife were closed. Would that be caused by much carry with little use?
 
If you ever find something that is worth a lot of money because of its age or rarity, don't even think about cleaning it. You'll ruin the value.
 
I'd hit it with some Colgate or Sensodine tooth paste and a soft bristle tooth brush, first. That should clean up the scales nicely, too.
 
The-Stig said:
If you ever find something that is worth a lot of money because of its age or rarity, don't even think about cleaning it. You'll ruin the value.
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Yeah, that's what I figured. I'm not concerned with the value of this knife though. I just want to clean it up as well as I can so the rust/buildup doesn't cause any more damage. Thanks everyone for all your advice. I plan to carry this as my backup/light use knife, so I'll post another picture once I get it cleaned up.
 
scrteened porch said:
It's a beautiful knife, despite the line of rust with pitting that would be at the edge of the handle if the knife were closed. Would that be caused by much carry with little use?
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That line of corrosion is typical of a knife stored in the same container or drawer with a celluloid knife that was gassing, at one time or another. :)
 
When I clean an old knife, the first thing I do is make a paste with baking soda and dish soap. Use a soft toothbrush under warm water. This cleans out old dried grease and neutralizes acids. Then oil the joints, and see where you are. I wouldn't try to remove the pitting as you will lose the blade etch. You just want to stop any active rust.

Oh, and that's a great knife. Boker Solingen knives are top quality steel, and it's even more special having come from your grandfather.
Congratulations.
 
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