Sharpen/Carry your nice vintage pockeknives?

[338375]

Since others are sharing images I thought I'd add a couple of the old Winchester (1920 - 1940) I was referring to above:

Thats a fine specimen Elliott. You gotta love that old Winchester bone :thumbup:

I have to admit, I went through a period where, I had a hard time carrying the old ones that were in excellent condition. They would get oiled up and put in the safe. Once in awhile, I would take them out and admire them...

One day it hit me. I can carry these, admire and use them, and enjoy them every day, instead of every month or so. Granted, I wouldn't use any for what would be considered hard use, or abuse, but for normal daily tasks.
The enjoyment level increased dramatically, after I started carrying them. As Elliott mentioned, I don't think touching up an edge will hurt anything.
Of course, some people can't sharpen without leaving scratches all over the blade, and that would not be desireable.

But then again, I'm the guy that would take Winchesters made in the mid-later 1800's and shoot them

 

[Campbellclanman]

Howdy Mike!..I have to try and take a leaf out of yours and Elliots book...as I do exactly as what you said you used to do!
There are some knives I am too scared to use...as they are nearly sacred to me...but my mind has been going that way as in gentle carry and use!

I totally back up what Jake had to say earlier on in the piece...the preservation of knives is extremely important..hey...a good example is - look at us now just admiring Elliots Winchester ( let alone the other beautifull knives Elliot owns ) - Charlies Knives etc...we wouldn't be able to do that, if the previous owner used those knives for the purpose it was intended for-a tool!
Times have changed hugely, and those tools are stunning works are now works of art to me...and no doubt to a lot of other enthusiasts out there as well.

 

[338375]

Hi Duncan. It was not an easy transition for me, but it was one I was glad to finally make. Thats not to say it is for everyone though.

I know what you mean about certain knives being sacred. It is especially hard, if it has sentimental value, because those are priceless, and can never be replaced.
I have my grandfathers knives. He used them, and carried them daily. I am certainly afraid of losing them, and won't use them hard. But for me, the joy that can be had, carrying a knife that was passed on to you, is even greater than a knife a person could buy.

They will never make any more of the old knives again. It is a joy to look at pristine knives from 100 years ago, and they are part of our history.
Fortunately there are enough serious collectors, tha tare doing a great job of making sure these knives wil be around for another 100 years, for future generations to enjoy.
There are enough of them left, that having a few users in circulation, allows some to enjoy the other aspects. Carrying and using.

I could be wrong, but I think the people that buy these knives now, are well educated, and understand the importance of them. The uneducated, or people that just don't care, will be less likely to drop more money to buy one of these classics, when they can spend 40-50 bucks, and get a new XYZ brand knife

 

[eisman]

To me there's validity to both points of view. Yes, some belong in museums, and should be preserved. But really, those are so rare most of use will never own one. But good, old, knives abound. They're like guns and other object made back when craftsmenship and pride built things to last. They'll outlive us in usefullness with a little care.

And to me it's about the care. Like restoring old cars, refinishing furniture, mending tapistries, etc. If we don't take care of them, they won't last. And we can oly get so much knowledge and satisfaction from photographs or images.

I like taking abused, ignored, and neglected items and making them useful. Knives are fairly easy, and simple, and extremely useful. And it's fairly inexpensive to "fix" most of them. I'm not going to take a musuem piece and regrind it, but a knife that can't be opened, that has a tip broke off, that is rusted or dirty; those I can make useful.

I picked this knife up in a junk shop. It was rusted shut, the tip of the blade was missing (about 3/16") and the blade had been used to pry something as it was "twisted". Took a little time to clean it up, but now with the blade reshaped and the rust gone, a little polish and oil worked into it, it's a pretty nice little UMC Remington Jack, and I'll use it. Got a nice dege on it again too. I like to think that's what the man who made it would want.

 

[338375]

To me there's validity to both points of view. Yes, some belong in museums, and should be preserved. But really, those are so rare most of use will never own one. But good, old, knives abound. They're like guns and other object made back when craftsmenship and pride built things to last. They'll outlive us in usefullness with a little care.

And to me it's about the care. Like restoring old cars, refinishing furniture, mending tapistries, etc. If we don't take care of them, they won't last. And we can oly get so much knowledge and satisfaction from photographs or images.

I like taking abused, ignored, and neglected items and making them useful. Knives are fairly easy, and simple, and extremely useful. And it's fairly inexpensive to "fix" most of them. I'm not going to take a musuem piece and regrind it, but a knife that can't be opened, that has a tip broke off, that is rusted or dirty; those I can make useful.

I picked this knife up in a junk shop. It was rusted shut, the tip of the blade was missing (about 3/16") and the blade had been used to pry something as it was "twisted". Took a little time to clean it up, but now with the blade reshaped and the rust gone, a little polish and oil worked into it, it's a pretty nice little UMC Remington Jack, and I'll use it. Got a nice dege on it again too. I like to think that's what the man who made it would want.

That knife looks happy It's a good lookin old Remington

 

[akadave2]

To me there's validity to both points of view. Yes, some belong in museums, and should be preserved. But really, those are so rare most of use will never own one. But good, old, knives abound. They're like guns and other object made back when craftsmenship and pride built things to last. They'll outlive us in usefullness with a little care.

And to me it's about the care. Like restoring old cars, refinishing furniture, mending tapistries, etc. If we don't take care of them, they won't last. And we can oly get so much knowledge and satisfaction from photographs or images.

I like taking abused, ignored, and neglected items and making them useful. Knives are fairly easy, and simple, and extremely useful. And it's fairly inexpensive to "fix" most of them. I'm not going to take a musuem piece and regrind it, but a knife that can't be opened, that has a tip broke off, that is rusted or dirty; those I can make useful.

I picked this knife up in a junk shop. It was rusted shut, the tip of the blade was missing (about 3/16") and the blade had been used to pry something as it was "twisted". Took a little time to clean it up, but now with the blade reshaped and the rust gone, a little polish and oil worked into it, it's a pretty nice little UMC Remington Jack, and I'll use it. Got a nice dege on it again too. I like to think that's what the man who made it would want.

Im a sucker for bare-heads...nice knife!

 

[richstag]

Can someone show me a mint condition Remington 5-blade sowbelly? I can find plenty of meticulously preserved Case Classic Sowbellies that were made in the 90s by Queen on contract for Case. But none that are the real deal. Does a mint 5-blade Remington Sowbelly exist? Or was the last one used up? ...never to be seen again?

I'd like to have one custom made based on an original... but I've never seen a well preserved real one so it's not possible.

Hi Jake,

I read this comment a day ago and thought about it. Im not in any way shape or form a part of the vintage knife world. I do have an idea that may or may not relate though. You can decide and let me know what you think. A while back I was helping transport paintings and my dog put it's paw through a pristine 1700's painting ( thats one expensive dog ). I attempted to contact a world renowned and very experienced art expert. To a shocking surprise she responded to me the same night. Well, a lot was said, but there was one main thing that may apply to this conversation. What she told me was "NEVER post pictures of this work on the internet". She told me that big time collectors have little interest in works that have been 'seen' before. She told me the best way to devalue something is to post it on every forum you can find for all to see while asking, "what is this worth" or "have you seen this" etc. She went on to tell me the elite group of worldwide collectors will only have an interest in private in home showings that are "new" to the world and that the collections remain private after sales.

I have to wonder how many collectors in the knife world follow this same strategy? I know we have very generous folks on here that share so many jewels with us, but I have to wonder how many other collectors out there just keep it to themselves?

Kevin

 

[akadave2]

Hi Jake,

I read this comment a day ago and thought about it. Im not in any way shape or form a part of the vintage knife world. I do have an idea that may or may not relate though. You can decide and let me know what you think. A while back I was helping transport paintings and my dog put it's paw through a pristine 1700's painting ( thats one expensive dog ). I attempted to contact a world renowned and very experienced art expert. To a shocking surprise she responded to me the same night. Well, a lot was said, but there was one main thing that may apply to this conversation. What she told me was "NEVER post pictures of this work on the internet". She told me that big time collectors have little interest in works that have been 'seen' before. She told me the best way to devalue something is to post it on every forum you can find for all to see while asking, "what is this worth" or "have you seen this" etc. She went on to tell me the elite group of worldwide collectors will only have an interest in private in home showings that are "new" to the world and that the collections remain private after sales.

I have to wonder how many collectors in the knife world follow this same strategy? I know we have very generous folks on here that share so many jewels with us, but I have to wonder how many other collectors out there just keep it to themselves?

Kevin

For a time I was a serious collector and appraiser of Nihonto (japanese swords). I can tell you that photographs, Oshigata (rubbings of the blade tang signatures as well as sketches of the blade/hamon. Pictures, info etc only served to increase value as well as possible buyers.

 

[richstag]

For a time I was a serious collector and appraiser of Nihonto (japanese swords). I can tell you that photographs, Oshigata (rubbings of the blade tang signatures as well as sketches of the blade/hamon. Pictures, info etc only served to increase value as well as possible buyers.

Im not sure I understand. Did you post pics all over the place online on forums or did you use the information and photos for private sales?

 

[akadave2]

There are a number of forums that collectors use so it was posted there for information, research, and just plain ol' "looky what I got!" Interestingly the more that is known about the piece "Nihonto" the better with regards to proving provenance and authenticity. Its also possible to place the piece in a particular hand at a particular time during armed conflict. Its very interesting stuff, but in terms of cost, its not for the feint of heart...or wallet!

 

[richstag]

Thanks for sharing your experiences

 

[supratentorial]

Kevin, Some knife collectors do not share photos of their knives on the internet. Some folks share only when it will benefit them. Some folks share everything or almost everything. That topic could be a lengthy discussion or series of discussions on its own. But my point is that mint examples of some knives are extinct or near extinction... even well used examples of some knives are rare. If everyone assumes that someone else some where else (unseen) is preserving these knives, history will be lost.

 

[richstag]

Got it

 

[supratentorial]

This Remington 5-blade sowbelly is the best example that I've seen (first photo). It's far from mint. The blades are worn and have been sanded with some sort of abrasive. There might be a better example... or there might not. I hope there's a better example out there but I won't assume it. The second photo is of a fake that was sold for almost the same price. Had the buyer seen a real example of the knife? Probably not.

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/... Vintage/KGrHqZlQE6CImlldfBOspGzSJhQ60_57.jpg

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u298/supratentorial/Sowbellies Vintage/r4283open.jpg

 

[Campbellclanman]

Hi Duncan. It was not an easy transition for me, but it was one I was glad to finally make. Thats not to say it is for everyone though.

I know what you mean about certain knives being sacred. It is especially hard, if it has sentimental value, because those are priceless, and can never be replaced.
I have my grandfathers knives. He used them, and carried them daily. I am certainly afraid of losing them, and won't use them hard. But for me, the joy that can be had, carrying a knife that was passed on to you, is even greater than a knife a person could buy.

They will never make any more of the old knives again. It is a joy to look at pristine knives from 100 years ago, and they are part of our history.
Fortunately there are enough serious collectors, tha tare doing a great job of making sure these knives wil be around for another 100 years, for future generations to enjoy.
There are enough of them left, that having a few users in circulation, allows some to enjoy the other aspects. Carrying and using.

I could be wrong, but I think the people that buy these knives now, are well educated, and understand the importance of them. The uneducated, or people that just don't care, will be less likely to drop more money to buy one of these classics, when they can spend 40-50 bucks, and get a new XYZ brand knife

Mike, I dont think you are wrong, you made some good points. I do use some beautiful old knives-only because there are marks on them from previous...Im not too sure if I could push myself as far as using a dead Mint knife of Calibre?.

 

[Campbellclanman]

Hi Jake,

I read this comment a day ago and thought about it. Im not in any way shape or form a part of the vintage knife world. I do have an idea that may or may not relate though. You can decide and let me know what you think. A while back I was helping transport paintings and my dog put it's paw through a pristine 1700's painting ( thats one expensive dog ). I attempted to contact a world renowned and very experienced art expert. To a shocking surprise she responded to me the same night. Well, a lot was said, but there was one main thing that may apply to this conversation. What she told me was "NEVER post pictures of this work on the internet". She told me that big time collectors have little interest in works that have been 'seen' before. She told me the best way to devalue something is to post it on every forum you can find for all to see while asking, "what is this worth" or "have you seen this" etc. She went on to tell me the elite group of worldwide collectors will only have an interest in private in home showings that are "new" to the world and that the collections remain private after sales.

I have to wonder how many collectors in the knife world follow this same strategy? I know we have very generous folks on here that share so many jewels with us, but I have to wonder how many other collectors out there just keep it to themselves?

Kevin

There must be some who also wouldnt advertise because of the fear of being traced with the person knowing what they have?
So is the picture retrievable?
As to what Jake says about the people not sharing-I agree, it doesnt help the growth and popularity - (which only helps increase the more valuable knife anyway ).
Imagine us here in Bladeforums if Gus, Blues, both Charlies, Wellington, Hal, Codger, Roland ( and so many more-yourselves included ) etc not sharing their most lovely knives with us, and holding all that information close to their chests! We would have a much more boring Forum for a start, we wouldnt learn half as much, and we wouldnt thirst to obtain one of those knives that we saw in the forums...forever sparking our interests and passion

 

[338375]

Mike, I dont think you are wrong, you made some good points. I do use some beautiful old knives-only because there are marks on them from previous...Im not too sure if I could push myself as far as using a dead Mint knife of Calibre?.

Thats the great thing about our hobby. There truly is no right, or wrong way to do it

 

[supratentorial]

It seems as though there is more than one hobby represented here...preserving history, collecting knives, refinishing old knives for use or profit, and using knives...etc. There's a lot housed under one roof.

 

[Doug Add]

It seems as though there is more than one hobby represented here...preserving history, collecting knives, refinishing old knives for use or profit, and using knives...etc. There's a lot housed under one roof.

Excellent point, and the failure to recognize that can lead to misunderstanding when different opinions are expressed. We don't all have the same perspective on these old knives.

 

[richstag]

Thanks for the examples, Jake.

Duncan, I know that my father, and especially my grandfather when he was living, would NOT post anything online. Some people just don't feel comfortable with it.

We are lucky to see as much as we do IMHO.