Here is the link to the original post/pics!
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=441074&highlight=wwii
Ok guys...I gently cleaned up the knife, and this is the result. The cleaning method I used are as follows: One damp rag, WD-40, Q-Tips, tooth brush, and a lot of patience. The whole process took about 6 hrs. I did NOT use any cleaning solvents, other than the water on the damp rag & the WD-40. For the metal on the blade I used a SMALLl amount of WD-40 (I know mineral oil is what I need, but I don't have any)
on a Q-Tip, taking care NOT to get any on the leather. The brass snap and the staples on the sheath all had green corrosion on them, but the toothbrush cleaned that up nicely. Overall, it does look a whole lot better. I further questioned my friend on how he came to own the knife, and he said that all he knew was that after the death of his brother, he cleaned out his tool box and just took the knife and threw it into his own toolbox where it has been sitting untouched for the past 2 years. Now, I have a few questions for you guys. The pommel has a bit of wiggle on it due to the leather washers shrinking. What should I use, if anything, to bring the leather back to original size? Some kind of mink oil maybe? The leather sheath is also very dry. Would some Kiwi Neutral help? I am still undecided as to what I should do with the knife, maybe put it up for auction, or just keep it. It's hard to part with something this cool, but if I can't use it...? Anyway, thanks for looking and I really apprecitate all the input I have had on this so far. Overall, it has been a very enjoyable learning experience!On a personal note, the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB) belt buckle was a gift from my wife after a safe return from 2 combat tours...one in Panama in '89(Operation Just Cause) and then the first Gulf War(Desert Storm) in '90-91 with the 82nd Airborne Div. 3/504th Parachute Infantry Regiment.
