Want to restore a Camillus Fixed Blade.....need help...

[Vanguard41xx]

My son gave me this, and thought it would be nice to fix it up, and use it. It looks WW2 or a bit later, but in this condition, it isn't worth much. The blueing somehow is coming off, and rust is forming. The washers are seperating etc.. So, if anyone has any tips to help me with this, I'd be thankful. I'm not sure if I can reblue it, but if I can, i'd like to know. If you think it would be better off without the blue, again, I would like to know. Thanks. Here are a few pictures he took.....

 

[Seals]

It looks pretty good to me.Just take some very fine sandpaper or steel wool and clean the pommel up.The leather may swell out and tighten up with conditioner.Less is probably better for the blade.Oil it and wipe it down.Its hard to say with a better look.There are cold blue treatments and other processes,but i would stay away from them on this knife.

 

[fast14riot]

I also agree it looks ok. Instead of sandpaper try a penny to get the raised red rust off, it won't scratch the steel or remove the patina. I wouldn't reblue it either, it has a nice patina and it will only get better with time. As for the sheath, keep an eye out at estate sales as these are pretty common for not much money, may be able to find it on fleabay as well.


-Xander