Gun Show Find

eisman

eisman

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I went off to the local gun show yesterday, more to talk with friends I knew would be there than anything else. I spent some time cruising the aisles as we all do, looking for a spare swayback or congress, but coming up pretty empty. I never have much luck with the major dealers. Found this is a box of $10 knives; most of which were very beat up. It was pretty black inside and out, but no broken blades and the scales were intact and tight. The blades were almost frozen they were so stiff.

A couple hours in cleaning solution and a couple hours in a mineral bath and I knew I had a good one. The scales were showing a nice red-brown color and the interior springs were shiny. The brass could use some polish; as could the bolsters, but it's an honest knife. Ulster, USA, on the main blade, all the blades have a definite snap (the cap lifter is a real nailbreaker still), and with a nice edge back on the main blade and punch it's usable again.

A nice evening project...

bs2.jpg


BS1.jpg


If anyone can give me an idea of the date of manufacture (or any other details) I'd appreciate it.
 
That style can opener was post WW2, I believe. Nice find...I've seen those boxes of knives before and 95% of the time the knives cannot be saved.
 
Its a beauty and a great save. Ulster makes real nice knives from my experience. I really enjoy bringing new life to old knives.
 
eisman said:
I went off to the local gun show yesterday, more to talk with friends I knew would be there than anything else. I spent some time cruising the aisles as we all do, looking for a spare swayback or congress, but coming up pretty empty. I never have much luck with the major dealers. Found this is a box of $10 knives; most of which were very beat up. It was pretty black inside and out, but no broken blades and the scales were intact and tight. The blades were almost frozen they were so stiff.

A couple hours in cleaning solution and a couple hours in a mineral bath and I knew I had a good one. The scales were showing a nice red-brown color and the interior springs were shiny. The brass could use some polish; as could the bolsters, but it's an honest knife. Ulster, USA, on the main blade, all the blades have a definite snap (the cap lifter is a real nailbreaker still), and with a nice edge back on the main blade and punch it's usable again.

A nice evening project...


If anyone can give me an idea of the date of manufacture (or any other details) I'd appreciate it.
Click to expand...

1. What did you use for a "cleaning solution"?

2. By "mineral bath", do you mean mineral oil bath?

I've been to a local gun show lately and his bins of old knives were confiscated (like at the airport) knives. There was good stuff there if you wanted to fix up some users. There are 5-6 sites nationwide which sell these knives by the pound, none local to me:(.
 
Congratz to that find. I really like that scout knife! I wish I also find something like that!

Kind regards
Andi
 
yeah i always like to check out pawn shops for an old gem like this
no luck, even if i find something nice, they want more money than the MSRP for it (case doesnt build them like THIS anymore, one pawnshop owner told me)

congrats though, looks like a great find!
 
I use Hoppe's normally to clean. Just cover the part in a pan and let it soak 2-3 hours. Someday I'll get an ultrasound and do this quicker. And yes, mineral oil for the bath. It's cheap and food safe. Good stuff.

It's funny; the photos show marks on the blades I didn't notice . You can still see the original finish in places.
 
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As Hummpa said, it is a really nice boy scout knife. It is based on the "demo" knife with the same layout. One difference the can opener is not marked. Good Find!!!
 
Cool find and great work on the clean up. Looks like she's good for another 3000 miles. :thumbup:
 
Congrats on a sweet Scout! I don't know much about the old ones other than I like 'em :D
 
eisman said:
I use Hoppe's normally to clean. Just cover the part in a pan and let it soak 2-3 hours. Someday I'll get an ultrasound and do this quicker. And yes, mineral oil for the bath. It's cheap and food safe. Good stuff.

It's funny; the photos show marks on the blades I didn't notice . You can still see the original finish in places.
Click to expand...

+1 on the great find.

I'm usually just on the hunt for good users as I search for the old ones. Case indeed does not make them like that anymore. I wish I knew just enough about value to know which ones to put up and which ones to sharpen up and use the heck out of.
 
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