Perfect Patina

waynorth

waynorth

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Nov 19, 2005
Messages
32,607
In the hopes of saving a few more old knives from desecration, I am posting a couple of wonderful antiques. I know we've talked about this before, but I can hear buffers whirring 'round the bend, so I feel this effort is needed!
I've been collecting old knives for a while, and good ones are getting scarce! These two, probably 85 to 110 years old, are in the best possible antique condition. Honest patina, full snappy blades, great jigged bone. I periodically wipe on some mineral oil, and put some in the moving parts, including some along the backsprings, so it seeps in between the liners and springs. And that's it!
i suppose I could put a preservative wax on them, but I've become so anti-shiney, I scare myself!
Shiney is for new knives, until they are used! Or for hiding repairs or alterations!
Here's to perfect, unmolested Patina!!
EmpireScouts-1.jpg
 
Bernard Levine calls those shiny old knives "Kentucky mint." Some of them are brighter than fishing lures, but the "suckers" still hit them like big mouth bass.
 
What would you guys do with one like this. Notice the main blade has a couple of nicks. would you sharpen them out or leave them. I just found this one in my grandmothers things. My grandfather died in 1968.
Chickenplucker
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Clean the knife, get rid of any active rust, and oil it. Then put it in a place of honor. If that is Grandpa's knife then you have yourself quite the treasure, and one that you don't want to lose.
 
Mike Robuck said:
Bernard Levine calls those shiny old knives "Kentucky mint." Some of them are brighter than fishing lures, but the "suckers" still hit them like big mouth bass.
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Well said. New collectors hit those knives like a hungry bluegill on a grubworm. I know I've been seen with a few grubs hanging out of my mouth a few times.
 
kamagong said:
Clean the knife, get rid of any active rust, and oil it. Then put it in a place of honor. If that is Grandpa's knife then you have yourself quite the treasure, and one that you don't want to lose.
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What he said and sharpen it. I wouldn't be able to go to sleep with that edge on there. It won't deface it any.
 
In the past year or so I have sold off any and all old knives in my collection that have been buffed or otherwise excessively cleaned. I would have to say that this Joseph Allen rope knife has the best looking patina in my house - Dan
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Tony zeros in again. No-one knows "knife-essence" better than the old Dog!
That's the one thing I am undecided on; whether or not to put a nice edge on those knives. I can definitely see a properly beveled edge not defacing an old blade. In fact it would enhance the line of the blade. Hmmmmmmmm!?
I'll have to ponder that one for a year or two. Don't want to rush into things;)
 
I don't have many truely "vintage" knives but this is one I grabbed today.

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So,just what polishing compound do you gentlemen recomend?:D
 
chickenplucker said:
What would you guys do with one like this. Notice the main blade has a couple of nicks. would you sharpen them out or leave them. I just found this one in my grandmothers things. My grandfather died in 1968.
Chickenplucker
oldtimer150.jpg
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Chickenplucker - I got to noticing that knife is an Ulster 58OT I believe. One of the original Old Timer's. Famous Ulster 55 pattern. It's a good one.
 
Thawk I am pretty sure its an Ulster,however it is unmarked. Not sure if my Grandfather got it from Prince Albert But he was a lifetime devotee as was most of his generation. I am going to put an edge on it as Mr. Bose suggested and keep it clean and oiled. It will probably see a little pocker time.:)
 
chickenplucker said:
Thawk I am pretty sure its an Ulster,however it is unmarked. Not sure if my Grandfather got it from Prince Albert But he was a lifetime devotee as was most of his generation. I am going to put an edge on it as Mr. Bose suggested and keep it clean and oiled. It will probably see a little pocker time.:)
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I've seen a few previous instances of this knife having an unstamped blade. It is a nice one for the pocket. They didn't mark this size Old Timer as a Schrade (not saying never). I think the steel is similar to CV. Records vary on how long Schrade kept making them.
 
Lambertiana, that Challenge, like so many Challenge knives, started life as a real beauty and is aging gracefully!! Nicely preserved!
 
thawk said:
I've seen a few previous instances of this knife having an unstamped blade. It is a nice one for the pocket. They didn't mark this size Old Timer as a Schrade (not saying never). I think the steel is similar to CV. Records vary on how long Schrade kept making them.
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Every Old Timer in that vintage was 1095. Think CV minus the chrome and vanadium. The 58OT is a pretty rare pattern- it's #2 on my list of OTs to find, with the 50OT Scout/Utility as #1.
 
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