Old case had been brushed???'s

[Fish30114]

I recently acquired an old style Case 'Roper Knife' it has wooden scales--if I'm guessing right, they are walnut, simply put the knife has a lot of oxidation on it, including the wooden scales--what I would guess as rotting--on one side it looks like a previous owner took a steel brush--or other aggressive brush, and simply brushed away a lot of the wood on that side, the scale on that side of the knife is now a little short of the liners, just a tiny bit-but nonetheless short, and it has left the pins standing proud of the scales on that side as well. I will try to ad a pic or two, and I may also post this on the traditional forum, but I am simply seeking advice as to whether or not I should sand this scale, to make it smooth again, and also to knock the pins down on that side, or not. The blade has also been re-shaped--poorly--to give the wharncliff a blunt nose, and I am wondering it I should re-shape the blade or not. Below are some pics and a few comparison shots alongside a good example of the same knife.
The pics show the knife beside a good example of the same knife for comparison. You can also see some of how the scale that was brushed is disintegrated a bit.

Thanks for input advice.

 

[Fish30114]

No ideas anyone?

 

[pmew]

Well, looks to me like the blade has just been used a lot. I have quite a few sheepsfoot blades that are heading in that direction. The scales are certainly re-finishable. Go for it.

 

[Fish30114]

Thanks pmew, are you thinking I should reprofile the blade also? I am definitely going to refinish the scales to the best of my ability.

 

[CUTS LIKE A KRIS]

Like pmew said the blade just looks used, and looks pretty good from comparing to other existing knives I've seen/owned. Making it a true sheepsfoot will require a decent amount of material removal, and blade edge thinning as a result. Personally I would leave it as a low drop point blade and get it screaming sharp. Are you going to use the knife? If so then make it yours, sand down carefully until you are happy. I would suggest some type of sealant like Tru-Oil/tung oil regardless, just to give that extra support if the wood has started to deteriorate any. If it was mine and I wasn't going to use it at all (hurt to write that, even hypothetical) I would leave it as is, to show the results of a well used knife. Nothing wrong with admiring scars.

But it is yours, do what feels right to you!!

 

[Fish30114]

Hello Cuts Like A Kris-I think I am going to go with your call, just sand down the diminished scale, til it is flush with everything else as it could be, and sharpen it to shaving sharp and rock on with it, all my knives see use, and this one will get at least a little pocket time.

Thanks for your input--Don

 

[pmew]

Thanks pmew, are you thinking I should reprofile the blade also? I am definitely going to refinish the scales to the best of my ability.

No no. The blade has a lifetimes use written all over it, re-profiling will look like those horrible old women who get plastic surgery in their seventies and wind up looking like a punch and judy doll. Sharpen it up of course, you'll still have a very effective point. But the scales require a bit of TLC.