Yard Sale Find

A

asemery

Joined
Aug 20, 2012
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This past weekend I found this Schrade LB7 knive at an estate sale. There is a slight green discoloration on all the brass (maybe due to dampness?). The blade looks like it was seldom used and never sharpened. How can I clean the brass? Tony


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Added May 14. By the way the asking price was $3.00. I must have done something right. Tony
 
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Hi Asemery --

The green discoloration is Verdigris
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verdigris

I'm thinking the reaction on the brass is caused by chemicals from the tanning of the sheath?

I've also experienced this on all models of Schrade folding sheath knives with brass bolsters
Will also appear on the fixed blade knives with brass hardware if stored in sheaths

In my experience, just cleaning the brass will not end the issue
You'll also notice that there is verdigris residue remaining inside the sheath itself
If the sheath interior isn't also cleaned (haven't figured that out yet) it will just jump start the problem again

For longer term storage, I store the knife and sheath separately or wrap the knife before storing it in the sheath

A good article on verdigris, knives and guns
http://www.oregonknifeclub.org/Verdigris.pdf

-- Howie
 
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Very common for this type of reaction between the brass and the leather. Like others have said, it will come back if stored in the leather unprotected. For long term storage, like Howie said, store separately, or wrap the knife in something.
 
Easy. As others said Brasso or I really like a product called Flitz. Get the verdigris off them put a product called Corrosion X on it(great to protect guns too). This will remove tarnish too. When no more tarnish, a final coat of Corrosion X. Verdigris isn't corrosion of course like rust but tarnish, both caused by oxidation. Look how dark old kerosene lamp bases will get till cleaned up. Again as others have said if you store in the sheath wrap the knife in waxed paper.
 
Very nice find indeed! Too bad I never find catches like this at yard sales :o
 
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