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I found a piece I am interested in that appears to be an open stock 896K. Looks authentic, but no tang stamp or markings anywhere. Any suggestions/ tips on making a positive I.D.? Sorry, I don't have a pic.
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Is there a way to positive I.D. with no tang stamp?
- Thread starter aggiebuilder2003
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I have some you can compare to:
The 896K is 3 5/8" slim stockman, basically the same as the 897UH. Show here with the 234K in both Butter & Molasses and K-Horn.
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If the tang stamp is ground off, like the one in this picture, it is likely a second, regardless of the possible story. This particular knife has been on sale for well over a year.
Well, I've learned two things. First the one I found appears to be butter and molasses and not K-horn, and second you may have found the same one I found.
If it is a second, which it sounds like it is, what does that do to its collectability?
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Well Schrade(USA) doesn't even make seconds anymore!!
My way of looking at it is get a good user or a second in a pattern/style you don't have and then purge as time goes by especially if the price is right!!
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Thanks guys for the input. thawk, I think you and I are looking at different ones, (no BUY IT NOW) but the principle is the same. To me it sure looks good even without the stamp.
On another subject, what are your takes on cleaning older knives? I have to admitt I like them shiny, but I don't always get them that way. Is it better to leave them alone or is a little polish a good thing?
On another subject, what are your takes on cleaning older knives? I have to admitt I like them shiny, but I don't always get them that way. Is it better to leave them alone or is a little polish a good thing?
the question of how much cleaning should be done on a collectable knife has been debated at length in the BRL forum.
the real top experts agree: you want to keep as much of the knife original as possible, including blade surface. cleaning with a metal polish may remove some stain or light rust, but it also removes whatever might be left of the original finish, so should not be used. (it will also remove any blade etch)
so what i do with a knife that has some value as a collectable:
"scrub" gently with warm water & dish soap using a toothbrush,then dry thoroughly.
clean out between liners and tang/bolster area with WD40 and pipe cleaners
soak blades or entire knife if handle wood/stag/bone in mineral oil for 24 hrs.
using a rag and small pick, wipe down knife and blades and use pick to gently flake off any bits of rust that will come off easily.
store in a roll up knife pouch or briefcase type holder.
exceptions: if planning to sell a "lower end" knife on ebay: above plus use a metal cleaner on blades. not "proper" treatment, but usually gets a higher price as mostly "novices" are bidding.
: knife i plan to carry or give to a friend: the above plus sharpen blades to a wicked impressive edge.
however, if the knife arrives in excellent condition, then all i do is wipe with a soft cotton cloth to remove any fingerprints or other 'oils' on the blades.
roland
the real top experts agree: you want to keep as much of the knife original as possible, including blade surface. cleaning with a metal polish may remove some stain or light rust, but it also removes whatever might be left of the original finish, so should not be used. (it will also remove any blade etch)
so what i do with a knife that has some value as a collectable:
"scrub" gently with warm water & dish soap using a toothbrush,then dry thoroughly.
clean out between liners and tang/bolster area with WD40 and pipe cleaners
soak blades or entire knife if handle wood/stag/bone in mineral oil for 24 hrs.
using a rag and small pick, wipe down knife and blades and use pick to gently flake off any bits of rust that will come off easily.
store in a roll up knife pouch or briefcase type holder.
exceptions: if planning to sell a "lower end" knife on ebay: above plus use a metal cleaner on blades. not "proper" treatment, but usually gets a higher price as mostly "novices" are bidding.
: knife i plan to carry or give to a friend: the above plus sharpen blades to a wicked impressive edge.
however, if the knife arrives in excellent condition, then all i do is wipe with a soft cotton cloth to remove any fingerprints or other 'oils' on the blades.
roland
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Very well indeed. To each his own. :thumbup:
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Thanks for the advice/ info. The knife I have in the following post
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=618426
Is one that when I found it, I did clean it using polish. It had some staining and what to me looks like slight pitting. Maybe I have hurt its value a little by doing so, but I wanted to try and stop any more rusting/ pitting from taking place. I've always used 3-in-1 oil on my carriers, so I also lightly wiped it down in the same way. All of the knives in my collection, which is in its infancy, are ones that I hope not to part with for quite a while.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=618426
Is one that when I found it, I did clean it using polish. It had some staining and what to me looks like slight pitting. Maybe I have hurt its value a little by doing so, but I wanted to try and stop any more rusting/ pitting from taking place. I've always used 3-in-1 oil on my carriers, so I also lightly wiped it down in the same way. All of the knives in my collection, which is in its infancy, are ones that I hope not to part with for quite a while.