UPDATED AGAIN - Junk shop find- how'd I do? Kinfolks, Ontario

19-3ben

19-3ben

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Jul 27, 2015
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Stopped at one of my local haunts today. A junk shop I stop into every couple of months.

Find #1:
Kinfolks. I think it's a model 925, but not sure. Anyone know anything about these? Looks like it might be associated with the USAF? Were these produced specifically for USAF or was it regular production and just filled a contract for USAF? Any idea of age? Blade measure 4 7/8" from tip to scales. FFG with convexed edge, and a fuller. I assume a carbon steel of some kind? It looks like Kinfolks may have been part of Case, so perhaps CV?


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Find #2
Ontario machete. Blade measures 17 3/4", and is thick. It's a full 1/8" thick. It has a "US" tang stamp. Do I assume that means it's milsurp? Age? Handles are a slick, shiny black plastic.

The Ontario is not nearly as thin and flexible as my Tramonita and is a good bit heavier. I expect it would suffer on light grassy stuff, but would be the arch enemy of vines everywhere. I have no experience with modern Ontario machetes and didn't realize they are this thick!

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Not a knife, so I don't want to get too much into the last one, but it's an Ames surplus entrenching tool. A bit rusty, like the rest of my haul, but that'll clean up too.
 
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That kinfolks is sweet, some steel wool and mineral oil will have the rust off no problem than all you need is a sheath to have a prime EDC fixed blade. I don't think it would have Case CV blade steel .

I'm no expert, so someone will confirm but I think the knife would have an ordinance bomb on it somewhere if it was military.
The machete is definitely not current generation but I'm not sure if it can be dated or anything.
 
Hickory n steel said:
That kinfolks is sweet, some steel wool and mineral oil will have the rust off no problem than all you need is a sheath to have a prime EDC fixed blade. I don't think it would have Case CV blade steel .

I'm no expert, so someone will confirm but I think the knife would have an ordinance bomb on it somewhere if it was military.
The machete is definitely not current generation but I'm not sure if it can be dated or anything.
Click to expand...

The e-tool isn't modern either
 
You found a couple of really nice projects brother!!
Love the e tool!!
Joe
 
id say that machete is the previous generation. they changed the plastic somewhere in the mid-late 90's as far as i know they only made 2 generations. so anywhere from 1940 to 1998ish. I can tell you OKC makes the best machetes in the USA
 
The Kinfolks is already cleaning up nicely a light scrubbing with a nylon brush and some Remoil. I am letting the more stubborn spots sit overnight with a drop or two of oil to really let it penetrate and will scrub in the AM. Put a little leather conditioner on the handle. I’ll post update pics when the progress is visible.

In looking at the markings on the machete, it looks like the common wisdom is that Vietnam era OKC machetes have the “Ontario” stamp perpendicular to the “US” marking as shown on mine. After that they switched to both standings being parallel.
Anyone care to chime in on that?

The E-Tool, I think may be WW2 era, but would love for someone with more knowledge than me to chime in.

Again, anything that some can give to help me date that Kinfolks knife would be great.
 
do machetes carry any kind of value other than possible war use? I dont "collect" them just have a bunch. I have one stamped CLIVE US and has what looks like the same plastic handle. Its solid not hollow the handle that is
 
I have one of the Ontario Machetes- it has been serving me for decades and I love the thicker stock. I think they refer to it as heavy duty in the sales ads. I have 3 or 4 other machetes that just sit, it is my go to yard tool- got some use this morning chopping a few palm fronds for the trash.
 
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Unless marked or with known provenance, their is no way to DEFINITIVELY determine if the Kinfolks was USAAF 5" knife or commercially sold. The knife was introduced pre-war, but the plastic guard and aluminum pommel indicates the Kinfolks made during the war. It likely was one of the gazillion USAAF 5" knives from multiple manufacturers. Good find.
 
Hickory n steel said:
some steel wool and mineral oil will have the rust off no problem
Click to expand...

Always good advice. Deters the newbies who take a buffing wheel to it or something.
My preference is remoil or some 0w20 motor oil and a nylon scrub brush to start with. Either way, two ways to skin the same cat.

leghog said:
Unless marked or with known provenance, their is no way to DEFINITIVELY determine if the Kinfolks was USAAF 5" knife or commercially sold. The knife was introduced pre-war, but the plastic guard and aluminum pommel indicates the Kinfolks made during the war. It likely was one of the gazillion USAAF 5" knives from multiple manufacturers. Good find.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info!!! It seems information on Kinfolks is scarce to say the least. Am I correct in my presumption that this is a model 925? do you know what steel, more specifically than carbon steel, was used?

I'm considering posting the kinfolks pics and asking similar questions in the traditional subforum since I'd bet i get a higher concentration of guys on the "porch" there who will be able to offer some insight.
 
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