Question about what to do with some old knives

Iris said:
What year was that produced and what did you find it on?
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It's in an old Sheffield Trade Directory, I'll have to check to see which one I 'clipped' it from :thumbup:
 
:thumbup:

I have to get off this computer now and be a productive member of society ;)
Will check in on the thread tomorrow morning.

Ciao for now guys!
Iris
 
Iris-the movie was listed in the news clippings. Sorry, trying to be funny.
Thanks, Neal
 
Hello Iris. This is a great story! I don't know a lot about NZ but I've seen pictures of giant trout. Oh, if you ever bump into Eliza McCartney tell her I'm crushed that we're half a world apart haha.
 
Can't really add anything but wanted to congratulate you on such a great find!

Daniel.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Let me start out by congratulating you on your find. Wonderful! And for joining this forum; welcome!

Whether you keep them (or not) is none of my concern. But, everything considered, I'm the kind of guy who believes you should maintain your tools in the best possible condition, and rusty "ain't it". Those knives were made to work and be used, and you need to stop that rust ASAP. If you decide to keep even one you want to get some mineral oil from the local drug store and soak the knife in it for 24 hours. Then use a soft toothbrush to remove anything loose, and work the action a while. That won't hurt anything, and will help. It won't stop the rust, but it will slow it down a lot. If you do this off and on for a while (a couple weeks or so) you'll see most of the rust fall away and work out of the cracks and crevasses, especially around the pivot and spring. Use a clean piece of white jersey to wipe it down, and when it quits showing rust "weeping" you'll be able to sleep soundly knowing you've actually helped preserve a small piece of history.
 
I've never heard of 'mineral oil' before. Is it much different to vegetable oil? Also, there are others saying not to touch them... so much conflicting info :eek: I'm not sure what to do now.
I do want to preserve them and with it the history as you say...

eisman said:
Let me start out by congratulating you on your find. Wonderful! And for joining this forum; welcome!

Whether you keep them (or not) is none of my concern. But, everything considered, I'm the kind of guy who believes you should maintain your tools in the best possible condition, and rusty "ain't it". Those knives were made to work and be used, and you need to stop that rust ASAP. If you decide to keep even one you want to get some mineral oil from the local drug store and soak the knife in it for 24 hours. Then use a soft toothbrush to remove anything loose, and work the action a while. That won't hurt anything, and will help. It won't stop the rust, but it will slow it down a lot. If you do this off and on for a while (a couple weeks or so) you'll see most of the rust fall away and work out of the cracks and crevasses, especially around the pivot and spring. Use a clean piece of white jersey to wipe it down, and when it quits showing rust "weeping" you'll be able to sleep soundly knowing you've actually helped preserve a small piece of history.
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Haha :) thanks. I'll be sure to tell her! She's such a lovely girl... that is... I assume from some of the interviews I've seen her give ;)

bill2000 said:
Hello Iris. This is a great story! I don't know a lot about NZ but I've seen pictures of giant trout. Oh, if you ever bump into Eliza McCartney tell her I'm crushed that we're half a world apart haha.
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Iris said:
I've never heard of 'mineral oil' before. Is it much different to vegetable oil? Also, there are others saying not to touch them... so much conflicting info :eek: I'm not sure what to do now.
I do want to preserve them and with it the history as you say...
Click to expand...

Mineral oil is a petroleum based oil commonly sold in the US as a laxative, it won't go rancid like vegetable oils can.
It shouldn't hurt to wipe down the blades with it to gently remove surface rust, but I'd avoid soaking the knives in it. The bone could swell, and if the liners are brass it could transfer verdigris into the bone, causing a green discoloration.
 
Mineral oil is a light, colorless, oil; generally harmless, and edible. It is used to oil cutting boards, relieve constipation, and makes an excellent oil for cutlery that comes into contact with food. I use it because it's not very invasive and has fair penetrating qualities. True "machine shop" penetrating oils are the best for that specific purpose, but they are not as good at lubricating and should not be ingested. It's often called paraffin oil. You should be able to buy it any place that sells other household staples such as rubbing alcohol, witch hazel, or hydrogen peroxide. It's not expensive.

I tend to clean knives (and other small intricate stuff) in an ultrasonic cleaning tank. Most jewelers use them also. This method is very good and getting dirt and debris out of tight places and is not abrasive. I've also found that filling the tank with mineral oil and "cleaning" the parts in that really get the oil into the cracks and corners. Switching over to hot water and soap (I use a dish washing liquid called "Dawn") really lifts stuff I can't get to otherwise.

Once you get a knife, or whatever, clean, and if you're not going to be using it. Remove any moisture (including oils) and coat the whole thing in wax. I use a specialty product called "Renaissance Wax" but a good beeswax furniture polish will do. The wax will seal everything and should prevent any corrosion.
 
:thumbup::):p
Thanks so much for the info! If I do keep one that is certainly what I will do!!! It sounds really satisfying, the idea of getting the rust off to be honest :)

eisman said:
Mineral oil is a light, colorless, oil; generally harmless, and edible. It is used to oil cutting boards, relieve constipation, and makes an excellent oil for cutlery that comes into contact with food. I use it because it's not very invasive and has fair penetrating qualities. True "machine shop" penetrating oils are the best for that specific purpose, but they are not as good at lubricating and should not be ingested. It's often called paraffin oil. You should be able to buy it any place that sells other household staples such as rubbing alcohol, witch hazel, or hydrogen peroxide. It's not expensive.

I tend to clean knives (and other small intricate stuff) in an ultrasonic cleaning tank. Most jewelers use them also. This method is very good and getting dirt and debris out of tight places and is not abrasive. I've also found that filling the tank with mineral oil and "cleaning" the parts in that really get the oil into the cracks and corners. Switching over to hot water and soap (I use a dish washing liquid called "Dawn") really lifts stuff I can't get to otherwise.

Once you get a knife, or whatever, clean, and if you're not going to be using it. Remove any moisture (including oils) and coat the whole thing in wax. I use a specialty product called "Renaissance Wax" but a good beeswax furniture polish will do. The wax will seal everything and should prevent any corrosion.
Click to expand...
 
Eek... rancid knives... no thanks lol... Thanks for the advice :)
r8shell said:
Mineral oil is a petroleum based oil commonly sold in the US as a laxative, it won't go rancid like vegetable oils can.
It shouldn't hurt to wipe down the blades with it to gently remove surface rust, but I'd avoid soaking the knives in it. The bone could swell, and if the liners are brass it could transfer verdigris into the bone, causing a green discoloration.
Click to expand...
 
I'm with r8shell 100%! What little oil that gets to the bone from your fingers is enough for the bone. Gently stopping the rust is a worthy endeavour, on the steel parts, but I would only do it wth knives I intended to keep. Speaking as a collector, I would want to buy the knives "as found"!
 
Gotya! ;) Won't be touching any I don't intend to keep. Wouldn't feel confident enough to regardless! ;)
waynorth said:
I'm with r8shell 100%! What little oil that gets to the bone from your fingers is enough for the bone. Gently stopping the rust is a worthy endeavour, on the steel parts, but I would only do it wth knives I intended to keep. Speaking as a collector, I would want to buy the knives "as found"!
Click to expand...
 
waynorth said:
I'm with r8shell 100%! What little oil that gets to the bone from your fingers is enough for the bone. Gently stopping the rust is a worthy endeavour, on the steel parts, but I would only do it wth knives I intended to keep. Speaking as a collector, I would want to buy the knives "as found"!
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I'd agree with Charlie :thumbup:

However, if you intend to list these knives for sale on the Exchange in due course, Iris, you might want to think about locking this thread and curtailing discussion about them until they have a new owner:

Please do not post links or refer to active listings in the "Exchange" area of the forums within our threads. (However, feel free to send a link via email or PM to someone you know may be seeking an item which is listed there.) Additionally, do not use the Traditional Forum to hype or promote interest in a knife which you intend to list for sale in the "Exchange"
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:thumbup:
 
Yes thats a good idea Jack because its just getting silly. pictures of Echidnas for heavens sake.Its those claws you gotta watch out for.
Any "questions" I can help with about your knives moving forward Please don't hesitate to PM me Iris.


Oh and btw Iv'e got some baby budgies going cheep if anyones interested..... come on its a classic.
 
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