What do I have here?

[timberweasel]

Well, it's certainly seen better days, but I've recently acquired this 4" closed jack knife. Or it used to be anyway. I like the pattern: appears to be a spear-point main blade with swedge and a thin long pull and an awl secondary blade. Nice old federal shield.

The cap end is stamped NYK, which I believe is the mark of New York Knife Co. from days gone by. Might be a Hammer Brand? The tang is too corroded to see any additional markings.

It's rusty, the jigged-bone covers are badly damaged on the presentation side and cracked on the pile side, the blades are worn, the liners bent. But it's a lovely old spot of junk to my eyes.

Any one have any info on this knife? What should I do with it? Send it to someone to refurbish? Leave it as is for display? Attempt to clean it up a bit myself? What would *you* do with it?

Many thanks and much appreciation in advance!

-Brett

 

[knowtracks]

If it was me, I'd leave it be and enjoy it. Wondering sometimes where it's been and the tales it could tell.


Dave

Kool old knife!

 

[Will Power]

If it was me, I'd leave it be and enjoy it. Wondering sometimes where it's been and the tales it could tell.


Dave

Kool old knife!

Come on Dave! Surely a Ride on the Buffer's a whole lot more exciting Not.

I agree, it's in very worn condition and cracked but a wipe down & sharpening and you've got a interesting old faithful. Light clean with steel wool might reveal a tang stamp, get some oils in there too.

 

[lambertiana]

I'd leave it as is, it tells its life story. And the pivot pin is not original. Makes me wonder if the blades are original to the handle.

 

[timberweasel]

I'd leave it as is, it tells its life story. And the pivot pin is not original. Makes me wonder if the blades are original to the handle.

The pivot pin might be original (but not factory) if this knife is a 'lunch pail' franken-folder (I would imagine there were a lot of parts floating around after NYKC closed in '31.) But good point and keen eye! The main blade looks correct but I'm not sure about the awl.

Maybe I'll do a light clean-up with a toothbrush and mineral oil. I'm awful curious about finding a tang stamp....

Thanks, folks!

-Brett

 

[ed_is_dead]

I dig that's it's not everyones version of a good idea, but I'm in the let it be a tool again camp. That's the greatest compliment you can pay it, imho.

Fill the gaps and cracks with epoxy, tweek the pivot if need be, flush/oil it, sharpen her up and put it to use.