What's the best way to clean an old knife?

S

Smokey47

Joined
Apr 1, 2005
Messages
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Hello,
I have just joined this forum and I have a question about cleaning. I have a WWII vintage Camillus Army Utility knife that belonged to my grandfather. He carried it around in his fishing tackle box for many years before giving it to me back in the early 60's. It is a bit corroded and stained, and the blades are stiff and do not open easily. My question is....what is the best way to clean it up without ruining the knife in any way? And once I get it cleaned up, what is the best way to preserve it? Thank you in advance for any suggestions you can offer.

Smokey
 
Sorry, I am brand new on the collector scene and not at all familiar with the proper terminolgy. By scales I assume you mean the handle or cover material? If so, it's bone.
 
I'd use WD40 or some degreaser first, scrub off the oxidisation / rust, then wash the blade clean with soap and water, use compressed air (or vacumm / hair dryer) to blast out all the water...then lube it up properly (with militec).

not sure if it'll affect the bone, but bone needs to be oiled so that it doesn't shrink too much.
 
You could bring it to a jeweler and ask him to put it in an ultrasonic jewel bath. These appliances send ultrasonic waives thru a mild cleaning liquid and every tiny lodged particle is softly vibrated loose from the knife. They also clean chirurgical instruments with these ultrasonic cleaners in hospitals

They use it to clean old jewelery so unless part of the knife gets affected by soapy water ( celluloid or print) it should come out very clean.

It only cleans the knife, it does not remove corrosion.

Best way is too search what knife it is and wether it is worth cleaning, because if it is a real collectable i would not touch it.

There is a forum hosted by Mr Levine, THE authority on knives, he can probably give you all the info you wan't about your knife before you start to clean it and maybe damage it.
 
Look on Smoky Mtn Knifeworks, they should have some eraser blocks on their. Took years of grime off my Western hunter
 
For grease, Dish soap and a toothbrush, then very good rinsing and drying (be careful with a hairdryer, only use cool air and/or go slow - you want to be gentle to the bone scales.) You could use compressed air too.

When it is dry, bathe it in pure mineral oil (in the laxative aisle of your local pharmacy for a few bucks). Wipe off the excess with a rag and you're good to go.

If you want to preserve it for longer and you won't be using it, there are various special waxes you can use.

For light rust, and eraser or a gentle metal polish might work.
 
The TL29 (or TL-29) is a military-issue item distributed in considerable numbers in WWII and after. TL = Tool, Lineman's. They were made by several contractors, including Camillus. Supposedly, they all have wood or plastic handles. They mave modest collector value -- a value exceeded by its value as a family relic. A search on eBay for "TL29" and completed auctions would give you some prices and pictures.

I would use Evap-O-Rust (not caustic or acid) to kill the active rust and crocus cloth to polish the blades. I would then oil it with light mineral oil ("baby oil"). Civilian versions are still made. That version is standard issue to telephone company linemen.
 
Thank you all so much for your replies, you've been very helpful. This knife definately has the bone stag handle, and the U.S.A. shield. I just purchased "Levine's Guide To Knives, 5th Edition", and if anyone is interested in seeing the knife in question, there is a drawing of it on page 289. It's the Camillus Army, U.S.A. Thanks again for all your suggestions, it's much appreciated.
 
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