Old Cub Scout Camp Knife

[mattz357]

I recently got out the Cub Scout Camp Knife that my dad gave me when I was very young, and was disheartened to see that the bolsters (nickel caps at each end) and ring and clip were pretty severely tarnished. I called Camillus about a "makeover" for the knife, and they said it might be quite some time before they do work on any knife again. I'm not in any sort of time crunch since my son is only 4 months old, but I'd like the knife to be in good shape again for the day I eventually give it to him. Can I use a metal polish like Flitz on the nickel parts without risking going through the plating (I'm assuming the brass parts are solid brass)? Is there a better method? Thanks in advance for any assistance!

 

[Phil in Alabama]

The nickel silver end parts are usually always solid, instead of plated. You can polish it right up with that Flitz, and Simichrome works excellently also. I have polished up some severely skinned up knives by working them over first with OOOO steel wook, then 1000 and 1500 grit wet or dry sandpaper, then finished up with the polish compound. I have also used a cotton cloth buffing wheel with white polishing compound to polish up some badly scratched and dulled brass and nickel silver knife parts. The Flitz will work fine. Good stuff it is! :thumbup: