Help!

James Falor · Mar 5, 2005

I figured you all would be the most knowledgeable people to ask for help so here goes--I have an Ed Fowler Willow Bow hunter and the guy that had it before me stored it in it's sheath. It has developed some VERY light pitting (doesn't even look like rust yet) and also some "staining", again very light, that is clearly not Mr. Fowler's temper lines. What can I do to remove this without marring the blade? Is it possible to use a super-fine grit sandpaper and rub it out? ANY tips or tactics to eliminate this would be GREATLY appreciated! Thank you VERY much for allowing me to intrude on your thread. Sincerely, Jim Falor USMC

AwP · Mar 5, 2005

Try a metal polish first. Fine sandpaper would work but will likely wash out the hamon too.

anvilring · Mar 5, 2005

"Flitz" or "Hapich Semichrome" paste polish, (comes in a squeeze tube) and apply/rub with a piece of coarse cotton cloth like old terry cloth. I'm sure Ed will see this thread and say something but I'd suspect you may need to do a quick etch in feric chloride to get your hammon back. You would dip the blade into a bath point first up to the guard. Let's see what else is said.

regards, mitch

James Falor · Mar 5, 2005

Thanks a bunch gentlemen. I have some Flitz and maybe some Simichrome (sp?) so I'll give those a try. I definitley don't want to lose the hamon although I actually USE Mr. Fowler's knife to dress-out deer. However, I recently picked-up two more hunters (one a Fitch J.S. and one a Crowell) both have about 5 inch blades and that's about as long as I like to go. The Willow Bow has a 3.75" blade and worked fine this last November. I just see his knives getting more and more valuable and thought perhaps I should "garage" this one and use one of the others. Anyway, I REALLY appreciate your suggestions and I'll give the Flitz a try. Thanks again--Best Regards--Jim Falor SEMPER FI

2knife · Mar 6, 2005

Jim,
I've tried some green paste made by Puma that seems to be milder on the finish than Semichrome and Flitz, I've used both. I have sample sizes, if you want one just send me a few bucks to cover shipping.

I'm glad you picked up another of Ed's knives since you sold the last one. Any chance you could post a picture of it? (I'm addicted)
David 2knife@excite.com

James Falor · Mar 6, 2005

Thanks for the info 2Knife--I'll have to look into that. As for the pics, I'd be happy to. I'll post a close-up pic (or try to) later, so you all may be able to see what I'm trying to describe. Thanks again everyone--Jim SEMPER FI

RogerP · Mar 6, 2005

Not having a maker's skills I would never use anything more aggressive than a flitz-type polish on the blade of a knife. I would also give some serious thought to contacting the maker about refinishing the blade.

Roger

2knife · Mar 7, 2005

Jim,
Nice knife, thanks for posting the photos. If you didn't know, there is a nice picture of it (for sale previously) on Cuttingedge.com, listed as "Beaver Rim" knife. (earlier name) Probably made 1988-early 90s.
David