I just picked up an older and neglected Queen fixed blade to fix up for my son at a thrift shop for $2. The handle is made out of stacked leather and has something spilled and dried on it. What would be a good way of cleaning it? I was figuring sanding it down with very fine sandpapert. Thoughts?
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Older Queen fixed blade/Need help
- Thread starter NJPiney
- Start date
I just picked up an older and neglected Queen fixed blade to fix up for my son at a thrift shop for $2. The handle is made out of stacked leather and has something spilled and dried on it. What would be a good way of cleaning it? I was figuring sanding it down with very fine sandpapert. Thoughts?
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- Apr 12, 2009
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Looks like your pic isn't displayed in your post (I see the IMG code, but the pic isn't showing up).
You might do a BF search for 'Kabar (or Ka-bar) leather handle', or something to that effect. There are a lot of other threads on the topic of cleaning or restoring stacked leather handles, especially on old Kabar knives. I'll see if I can find a couple or three, and post links here.
Sanding may or may not help, depending on if the stain on the leather is just on the surface, or if it has soaked into it. Probably no harm done in trying the fine sandpaper anyway. I think you'll quickly see if it's gone deeper into the leather.
You might do a BF search for 'Kabar (or Ka-bar) leather handle', or something to that effect. There are a lot of other threads on the topic of cleaning or restoring stacked leather handles, especially on old Kabar knives. I'll see if I can find a couple or three, and post links here.
Sanding may or may not help, depending on if the stain on the leather is just on the surface, or if it has soaked into it. Probably no harm done in trying the fine sandpaper anyway. I think you'll quickly see if it's gone deeper into the leather.
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- Apr 12, 2009
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Here's one thread on stacked leather handles, with some input on maintaining (oiling/waxing/etc.) them:
www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/693910-Stacked-leather-handles
I'll keep adding links to this post, as I find 'em.
www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/693910-Stacked-leather-handles
I'll keep adding links to this post, as I find 'em.
David, Thank you for responding to my thread. I have been doing many searches on this knife out of curiosity and in the interest of cleaning it up. I happened to see the threads on stacked leather handles and wanted to save myself from saying, "Why did you just not ask?" and wondering if there was better information available. Not that I was risking alot on my $2 investment. It will serve well as a user for my son and has lots of life left in it. Please post more on this if you can. I will be consulting my wife about my picture posting abilities.
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I'm still looking for some more threads & info. I have seen (repeatedly) some high recommendations for a product called Lexol Leather Cleaner (they also have conditioners for leather).
As for posting pics, I think the easiest way is to use a photo-hosting account (like photobucket), to upload your pics off-site and link them in your post. I use photobucket, and each pic has a 'Direct link' option you can click (which copies the IMG code in correct format), and then use the 'Image' button in the editor here to insert the IMG code (use the 'From URL' tab, and un-check the 'Retrieve remote file and reference locally' box).
A lot of stacked leather handles have a varnish on them. I'd start out by sanding with some 300 - 400 grit sandpaper. If that works you can use some spar varnish or one of the exterior verathane or polyurethane products to protect the leather or Sno-seal or I used several coats of Kiwi Mink Oil under a couple of coats of Kiwi neutral shoe polish on one of my knives.