Sheffield FS Dagger pitting and origin?

[Parker]

I recently came into possession of a very nice English Sheffield dagger, Fairbairn Sykes lines, but with a leather handle similar to Randall construction and a blade of a carbon steel that pitted up in a nasty fashion. Not wishing to use a belt sander on it, I used flitz and a 3m sanding pad to remove most of the rust and pitting but even after several hours polishing it up (it came with a steel uncoated blade and polished leather handle) it still shows a light pitting on the blade.
I would like to add it to a collection in a case, but want it "all pretty" first, anysuggestions? I was thinking of using the dremel tool but at what setting and what tool on the end? I could also I guess use steel wool but I have never tried to restore an antique before and do not wish to FUBAR is. As far as me remvoving value thus far, it was far beyond having value until I spruced it up some.

Additionally, its blade is marked on the ricasso "MILBRO" or "MILBRC" over KAMPA, with the reverse marked Made In Sheffield England. Anyone know where I can find specific info on this thing?

Thanks for any advice or assistance on this thing.

Parker

 

[Crayola]

NO DREMEL! You will wreck it.

I'd suggest sending it to a maker. If you want to tackle the project, make a small sanding block out of micarta, or somethign that is hard and flat. A hard wood would do. Get some 220 grit paper and carefully sand the blade. You may have to do some fancy clamping to get the blade to stay put, but make sure you do. Oh, and protect the rest of the parts with tape and towels. For example, tape up the handle (wrap it in paper and then tape it) and then clamp it in a vice with a towel in the jaws. Whatevr you do, ensure that the vice grips but won't scratch.

It is surprising how much control you can get when hand sanding a blade. I have a couple of fighters I have to hand sand. Using a piece of leather (they are hollow ground) I have been able to start the cleaning process and actually make the grind lines even sharper. Oh, I am assuming your dagger is flat ground. If it is hollow ground, use a piece of leather. This job will take a while, but will produce fine results.

Good Luck.