Need help with an old congress knife

R

rishma

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Jun 22, 2008
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I have an old congress pattern folder that I would really like to EDC. Not sure of maker, but the sheepsfoot is marked "hand forged", "Hoffritz" and "Germany".

The problem is the pen blade is REALLY hard to open. Thumb nail breaking difficult. I have tried to lubricate and have worked it open and closed a bunch of times but it is still way to difficult to consider for EDC.

The closed length is about 3". I can post a picture later if that helps. I love the pattern and the blades take a wonderful edge, but I just cannot carry a knife i cannot get open.


Any advice? How can I get it loosen up?

Thank you!
 
An overnight soak in a mineral oil bath might help. If there's rust on the blades this may be causing jamming against the liners. Please show a pic as I have an old Hoffritz Penknife that I like a lot.

thanks, Will
 
I will take a pic tonight, but I am not promising anything exciting. This knife was clearly used hard in its day. I acquired it in its used condition 20 years ago and it has sat in box in my closet until my recent and developing appreciation for traditionals.

Light rust is definitely possible. I dont have mineral oil but I'll see what kind of lube I can soak it in. Other suggestions I might have around the house? The handle appears to be stag.
 
Scrub it well with hot soapy water and a toothbrush. Dry it, rinse with WD40 if you have it. Lubricate it well and work it while you watch TV. Grab the blade with a rag and just move it back and forth. Lube it and work it every day.

Generic mineral oil is pretty cheap at the drug store. Just don't get the kind with fragrance, get straight USP grade.
 
I would just add that when you store it when not using ... Store leave it open at the tightest point. Do that with the other advise and it will get better.
 
Thanks all. Ill pick up some minteral oil. I have worked it a bunch, and will do some more.
 
Oh, I just learned that 2 blades is a "half congress". Darn these are hard to find.
 
rishma said:
Oh, I just learned that 2 blades is a "half congress". Darn these are hard to find.
Click to expand...

Well, many people call them that, but I once had the honor of being corrected by Mr Levine himself:

bernard_levine said:
No such animal as a half congress.

It's a two blade congress pen.

Congress pen also made with 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 blades. 3 and 5 blade are whittlers.

Congress jack has 2 blades in the same end.

BRL...
Click to expand...

That's a sweet one you have there. Good luck getting it to where you can use it comfortably :thumbup:
 
r8shell said:
Well, many people call them that, but I once had the honor of being corrected by Mr Levine himself:



That's a sweet one you have there. Good luck getting it to where you can use it comfortably :thumbup:
Click to expand...


Thanks! And thank you for the education. 2 blade congress pen it is. I looked a little to buy other but they seem few and far between. I sure like the pattern.
 
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