How can I determine the functionality of a knife?

L

Legendary_Jarl

Joined
Feb 8, 2010
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1,137
Hey everyone.

My grandfather bought this knife in Oaxaca Mexico over 30 years ago(he doesn't remember the actual date).

Left:
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Bottom:
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Sorry for the low quality pics, I'm still figuring out the digital camera.

The knife is blunt and as far as I can see it has never been sharpened. It has an inscription on one side in Spanish that can be translated as "I like human meat, yours and your sister's". On the other side it has an inscription that says "Made in Oaxaca" and has an image of a guy with a hat leading a horse. I'll try to get pictures with better resolution but what I wanted to ask is: how can I be sure that there wouldn't be a problem if I sharpen the knife and use it? I know the handle is cast aluminum with wood, I'm not sure if it is full tang but I don't think so. It has a dark patina in some parts of the blade I guess because it is very old, but it doesn't have any other form of rust so I'm guessing it is some type of stainless steel.
 
What are some of the problems you are anticipating? :confused::) Are you intending to use the knife for food prep or other tasks? Does the knife have sentimental value? If so, perhaps you should leave it as is and keep it for your collection. It looks somewhat more decorative than practical IMHO
 
Yeah it has a very special value, it was a gift from my grandfather and I admire and respect him a lot. The other dagger is definitely for decoration. I was planning to sharpen it and use it in future camping expeditions, but I guess I should get myself a cheap knife and just use that.
 
Yea from the looks of it, doesn't seem like its meant for much use.

I could be wrong, but suppose it breaks or bends out in the woods? You'd be quite sad I imagine.
 
I wouldn't use them, personally. For you, they seem to have history and a certain value you don't find too often. Not to get too Hallmark about it, but you can use and abuse any old knife, but sentimental value isn't easy to replace :thumbup:
 
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