Metal detecting find

O

Ote

Joined
Mar 4, 2012
Messages
60
Was out doing some metal detecting on an old mill site and found a 2 blade trapper, knife is intact but very rusty.
bolsters have ageing and red/stag type scales are in excellent condition, the shield says KABAR (no dash in the name).
Anyone give me information on this cool find would be greatly appreciated.


 
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Knife has plastic or delrin scales which is why they are still in good shape. Knife is likely 1970s, you need would see if it has a model number on the blade. Really has no collector value due to delrin handle scales and rusty condition. I have been detecting for over 45 years, I do not keep rusty broken knives. Now go out and find something really cool like early coins, something gold, or other early artifacts in good shape!!
 
Nice find! Whether the knife has any value or not, it doesn't take away from the cool factor. A little while ago, someone in the traditionals sub forum found an old rusted knife that was in much worse shape than yours, but it had enough identifying characteristics to make it a rather neat find due to its age and such. Unfortunately I don't have enough knowledge to really help you with its age or history, but I agree with gunsil, likely '70's-'80's vintage.

You could try posting it in the traditionals sub-forum. Lots of helpful folks over there.
 
couple dozen square nails and a lamp hanger dated early 30's..
knife is my best find so far this year.

would it be feasible (right or wrong) to replace the blades.. ie.. remove bolsters, pins and repair and/or regrind the blades if I were able to get them moving?
 
Ote said:
couple dozen square nails and a lamp hanger dated early 30's..
knife is my best find so far this year.

would it be feasible (right or wrong) to replace the blades.. ie.. remove bolsters, pins and repair and/or regrind the blades if I were able to get them moving?
Click to expand...

Being the Delrin scaled version it would be easier to just replace it but, the knowledge you'll gain by trying to disassemble/reassemble (especially if you've never done it before) would be much more valuable. Do it. ;):thumbup:
 
Contacted KA-BAR and they say it is "Definitely 1960's era"
They do not provide repair services for this type of thing (bummer) so I will attempt to "loosen" it up with PB Blaster and hopefully return it to useable condition. if that fails I may disassemble it. fingers crossed for best results.
 



Couple cans of elbow grease, penetrating oil and a dental pick and I have a nice pocket knife. big blade still had an edge, cleaned up even nicer.. other blade is brittle so I left it as it was.
 
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