Need help identifying some older traditionals

Bushido185

Bushido185

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Sep 21, 2013
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I have several older traditional knives that I just inherited from my grandfather. Short of the brand names I know very little about these knives. All are well used but have life left in them. Also, should I try to clean these up or just leave them alone? Any help with identification and/or value will be greatly appreciated.

Case


Olster


Imperial


Blade marked "USA"


Thanks in advance for any info. :)
 
Knives stamped only USA turn up now and again, of different ages, and I haven't heard a satisfying explanation or explanations.
It looks like your Ulster has discolored chrome on the main blade, and I would clean that with metal polish. The dull grubby look on the other knives is patina, much prized around these parts for aesthetic reasons. It also provides slight protection from rust. I would leave that alone, besides scrubbing off any active rust.
Detail pics of the tang stamps would help the experts tell you the ages.
Nice knives- I especially like that Case.
 
The one marked USA may be Camillus.

The others look like nicely cared for, but well used examples. As for cleaning, that is up to you. Most of us here prefer to leave a knife that has age and history with that use and patina on it. The only thing I would concern myself with is any active rust or corrosion.

Those are nice heirlooms, you should be proud to own them and perhaps carry/use them as well.
 
That Ulster "scout knife" you will find quite handy. If you want to clean them up a little, I would suggest toothpaste and a "medium" bristle toothbrush. That will get rid of any grunge on the scales/handles, and should get rid of any light rust. Be sure to oil the pivots afterwards, and to put a light coat of oil on the blades. After cleaning, you can hit the scales with a little lemon oil, to give them a bit of shine.

A great collection. Carry and use with pride.
 
Thanks guys, I will try to get some detailed pics if I can. Not easy with my camera. I do like the patina on a few of the blades and there really isn't that much rust. The Case feels great and disappears in my pocket. The Ulster is cool too but a little difficult to open. The USA knife is heavy and probably has the most wear play of all of them. The Imperial I really like, the nice small profile almost gets lost in my pocket.
 
I forgot to mention...a small word of caution. On the Imperial, it is likely that the cover material may be celluloid. Celluloid has a tendency to outgas and destroy/corrode a knife and any others around it. It can happen at any time, or it may never happen. It is always best to keep cell handle knives away from others. I like to let them breathe, usually keep them out in the open. I don't put them in display cases or in sunlight, they seem to deteriorate for no reason or at any particular time. Yours looks to be stable, but that is no indicator. There is no color or style that is more stable than others.

Not trying to scare you, but I have seen many fine knives get ruined by one bad celluloid knife.

Here are some examples, the first one is mine.


 
The Case looks like a tested XX period knife ( if my old eyes are not failing me):D and it looks like green bone.
That is a great old knife in very nice condition. Clean up the bone gently and it will glow. Super knife, congrats.

Best regards

Robin
 
glennbad said:
I forgot to mention...a small word of caution. On the Imperial, it is likely that the cover material may be celluloid. Celluloid has a tendency to outgas and destroy/corrode a knife and any others around it. It can happen at any time, or it may never happen. It is always best to keep cell handle knives away from others. I like to let them breathe, usually keep them out in the open. I don't put them in display cases or in sunlight, they seem to deteriorate for no reason or at any particular time. Yours looks to be stable, but that is no indicator. There is no color or style that is more stable than others.

Not trying to scare you, but I have seen many fine knives get ruined by one bad celluloid knife.

Here are some examples, the first one is mine.


Click to expand...

Interesting, I've never heard of that. Thanks for the heads up.

Pipeman said:
The Case looks like a tested XX period knife ( if my old eyes are not failing me):D and it looks like green bone.
That is a great old knife in very nice condition. Clean up the bone gently and it will glow. Super knife, congrats.

Best regards

Robin
Click to expand...

Thanks, it has a feel all its own. Any idea what it might be worth?
 
Bushido185 said:
Interesting, I've never heard of that. Thanks for the heads up.



Thanks, it has a feel all its own. Any idea what it might be worth?
Click to expand...


If there is a pattern number it would help to establish value. Could you post what the mark is ie tested xx and any numbers on the tang. One of the gurus will help you with value. :D

Best regards

Robin
 
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