Working on my first restoration project and have a few questions about the knife I'm working on. I'm also new to bladeforums so nice to meet everyone.
Pics
It's a 6254 Trapper- It has the Case XX USA 10 dot stamp that identifies it from 1980, but there are a few unusual things about it. So I'm trying to figure out if it's a rare item where I should be really careful about not polishing or repairing too much. If it's a typical $100 or less I'm not going to worry and just restore it to my own taste and carry/use it sometimes. I'm new to this so I don't want to unknowingly "ruin" something special. I suspect this won't be an issue because of the condition and that it's not particularly old but I'm also just curious about the knife.
From what I understand the unusual parts are:
- Imitation pearl scales usually don't have the case shield on the side
- By 1980 the case shield was rarely pinned and was usually fixed with an adhesive
- The main blade is thinner than usual - there's a rare "muskrat" blade that was sometimes used in the late 70s that makes the knife more valuable, but that's unusual for a 1980 model
- Pattern engraved into the spine/backspring. I've only seen 1 or 2 case knives with something similar
These details could mean a few things:
- It's a forgery, which I understand is unlikely for a 1980 model (too new, forgeries exist but are usually the older ones)
- It was some kind of rare limited release
- It was a custom request or a unique build made by an employee. Not sure how this affects the value.
My plans for the last part of the restoration:
- Fix the cracked scale with a clear epoxy with mica pigment added if I can get the color close enough to the existing imitation pearl
- Brighten up the blades a little more with a 5 min vinegar soak and rubbing it gently with baking soda
- Give some extra care to the tang stamp, I'd really like to make it stand out a little more
- Sharpen it once all that is done
Appreciate any opinions on this.
Pics
It's a 6254 Trapper- It has the Case XX USA 10 dot stamp that identifies it from 1980, but there are a few unusual things about it. So I'm trying to figure out if it's a rare item where I should be really careful about not polishing or repairing too much. If it's a typical $100 or less I'm not going to worry and just restore it to my own taste and carry/use it sometimes. I'm new to this so I don't want to unknowingly "ruin" something special. I suspect this won't be an issue because of the condition and that it's not particularly old but I'm also just curious about the knife.
From what I understand the unusual parts are:
- Imitation pearl scales usually don't have the case shield on the side
- By 1980 the case shield was rarely pinned and was usually fixed with an adhesive
- The main blade is thinner than usual - there's a rare "muskrat" blade that was sometimes used in the late 70s that makes the knife more valuable, but that's unusual for a 1980 model
- Pattern engraved into the spine/backspring. I've only seen 1 or 2 case knives with something similar
These details could mean a few things:
- It's a forgery, which I understand is unlikely for a 1980 model (too new, forgeries exist but are usually the older ones)
- It was some kind of rare limited release
- It was a custom request or a unique build made by an employee. Not sure how this affects the value.
My plans for the last part of the restoration:
- Fix the cracked scale with a clear epoxy with mica pigment added if I can get the color close enough to the existing imitation pearl
- Brighten up the blades a little more with a 5 min vinegar soak and rubbing it gently with baking soda
- Give some extra care to the tang stamp, I'd really like to make it stand out a little more
- Sharpen it once all that is done
Appreciate any opinions on this.
