Help with Cleaver Knife

F

Felin

Joined
Jun 11, 2013
Messages
4
Hi All,

First time here.

Wondering if any might be able to help with further info than what I can find thus far. Sorry, but I know nothing about knives, so hoping for a bit of help. Got this at an estate sale because looked pretty rustic/old, cool and usable. Thought it'd be fun to get more info. on age, etc.

Imprinted is an Oak Leaf with words "Oak Leaf" inside. I was able to find enough info online to find out that this was made by Simmons Hardware Co. which helped me to identify some of the letters that have worn off. Wondering if the metal handle was something that the knife owner fashioned himself after the original came off?? or if, perhaps, this could be original? Looks as if it has had quite a bit of use.

Can't make out any other wording due to them wearing off.

Have got to figure out how to best clean and sharpen also. Any advice would be awesome! Thanks all.

Here are 3 pics:





 
http://www.thckk.org/history/simmons-hdwe.pdf

May have been an attempt at being sani-safe handle ? Cool find. Keep it. Do what you want to it. I have an old one that a fine person gave me. I cleaned it up. Many say i ruined it. I think not. I repurposed it & it is now useable. I gave it a new lease on life. IMHO, it was useless the way it was. Spine was all mushroomed out from hammering.



After: nice & shiny & wicked sharp. Lancaster Machine & Knife Works, Lancaster NY. 1890's-1940's. Said "Superior Quality" above Co. Logo because it has a heat treated edge when many did not during that time period. One persons garbage is another persons treasure. :D
 
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Mmmmmmmmmmm...cleavers. And I totally agree with TwinStick.
 
Thanks for the feedback all!

Any recommendations on how to better this knife for actual usability?

Thanks again!
 
Just use some steel wool to remove surface rust and sharpen it up. Were you intending to use it for its original purpose or repurpose it for finer cutting tasks? A traditional cleaver edge is deliberately on the thick side to prevent damage for striking bones with great force.

As a note, Simmons Hardware was most famous for their Keen Kutter brand. Fantastic tools.
 
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