Restoring WWII M3 trench knife?

S

shooter1201

Joined
Sep 18, 2002
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I have in my possession an original WWII M3 trench knife that is in VG condition overall...with the exception of the stacked leather washer handle (there are small gaps between some of the washers). Is there any way to restore the handle without replacing it, so that the gaps will close up?

Also: The leather sheath is original to the knife, but is unlike any leather sheath I have ever seen associated with an M3. It lacks the protective metal tip and wire hanger. Instead, it has a single hole in the tip for a tie down and a 4-inch 'tunnel' belt loop.

I'll try to post pics later. TIA
 
YOu can try to lightly sand the leather lightly to smooth it out, the waterproof it. Might work, might not. If not, look online and you can buy replacement leather washer. OOOOOOOR, you can send it to me. I'll take great care of it :) !
 
I know folks sometimes are able to soak stacked leather handles in some kind of conditioning compound to rehydrate them and fill the gaps. Just can't remember what they use.
 
can you post pictures of the handle? i might be able to help you out with a solution once i see what you have to work with. sometimes the leather is too dried out to save. i have had knives sent to me for repair with washers so dried out they crumbled.
 
I had good luck restoring dried out leather stacked handles on my WWII Cattauragus 225Q with a product called "Sno Seal" which is made from bees wax.

I used a regular hair dryer to warm up the leather and just start liberally applying the Sno Seal and let it soak in. Stop and let it cool down and reapply as many times as you want.

Before:
Cattaraugus-225Q-Mark.jpg


After:
Cattaraugus-225Q-Mark-FINAL.jpg


The leather swelled back up and closed the gaps and stuff really well.
 
I have fixed two so far but not so bad the leather was crumbling ! Just keep applying a good leather conditioner - cream type to the leather , might take a few nights. Let it soak in and keep applying it.

I have one at home that I've been meaning to work on for a buddy but it will require total washer replacement.

Tostig
 
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