How to clean collectible CASE knives?

[Beckett]

I recently aquired a bag full of old case pocket knives. Knives were exposed to moist conditions at one time and have conditions ranging from discolored, darkened blades to small spots of light rust on the blades. What is an acceptable method to clean up the blades that wont ruin the knives collectible value? I was thinking steel wool would ruin the patina of the metal. Handles and springs of most knives are in good condition.

Thanks for any information!

 

[Bill DeShivs]

I'm a professional restorer. I use 0000 steel wool and WD 40. I suppose you could screw up a knife if you don't know what you are doing.
Soak the knives in WD 40 for a day or so before starting.
Bill

 

[psycho78]

Do some research on your knives first to determine the value.

If the knives are kind of invaluable, I personally would restore them and polish them as Bill has suggested. Get yourself some steel wool, WD40, sandpaper, flitz, and alot of old rags, and spend a few hours with some elbow grease.

I personally think patina on a knife is ugly. If I find an old slipjoint that isnt very valuable, that I'm going to carry and never sell, it's going to look like a piece of jewelry after I'm done cleaning and polishing. I think a PROPERLY restored pocketknife is a very classy thing indeed.