Restoring a Case XX 6488 Big Congress

[SOUTHERN WOODS]

I've recently become the new owner of a old Case XX Big Congress. I can't tell from the tang stamp whether the knife is a 65-69 model or possibly an early 70's. It really doesn't matter to me because I like the knife but I have a few questions about sanding and polishing.

The knife is overall pitted, nothing that is terribly bad but it does have an issue that I'd like to fix. Also I'd like to polish it back to a mirror finish after sanding out the pits.

Do you think it would be possibly to get rid of the pitting on this knife without losing too much material?

Anyone ever done a project like this before?

Any suggestions are appreciated.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

I doubt you will ever get all that pitting sanded out. Just clean it up a little and use it.

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

I doubt you will ever get all that pitting sanded out. Just clean it up a little and use it.

+1 to that. Some of that pitting looks DEEP; I don't think there'd be much blade left in trying to sand it all away; the edges will retreat too far.

That's still a great-looking knife. The edges look especially good, considering the pitting; lots of useful life left there. I'd clean it of any red rust, oil it, sharpen it and drop it in my pocket.


David

 

[mtangent]

I would give each blade a hand grind on fine stone. To get rid of the small, shallow pits. Don't try to get all the pits out, just some smaller ones. Maybe 10-12 strokes per side. It looks like the joints need more cleaning, too.
It may look better with a forced patina. The pits may be less noticeable.

Edit: this kind of grinding will only help a flat ground blade. If they hollowed, forget it.