Mystery: found my dad's knife in the shed, little restoration project

[malente]

Is it a hidden gem or a cheap piece of scrap?

I don't know anything about the history of the knife, it could be from my great-grandfather or my dad could have bought it cheap in the 70s. I'm going to ask him when he's back from NZ, in a few weeks.

I want to surprise him by restoring the knife. But how do I get about cleaning it and removing the rust while not destroying the 'patina' it developed?

The knife is non-locking, and there is a stamp on the blade, but most of it is not legible.

There's a half-round, vertical text on the left that could be "CUIL.." or "CUTL...".

On the upper line the last two letters are "LL".

On the lower line the first letter is a "B" and the last three letters are "ARD".

Between the two lines there is a symbol that could be a spade or shovel (the handle part is visible, on the right-hand side).

Left side view, with the stamp faintly visible:

Right side view:

Size comparison:

Any pointers welcome!

Cheers for looking

Mike

 

[PRKL]

usually some rust can be removed with scrupping,some coarse cloth and squeezed lemon juice on it.and brass bush is great too.

 

[_scorpio_]

There's a half-round, vertical text on the left that could be "CUIL.." or "CUTLery??


Mike

dunno about the rest, it would probably help to know the handle material, thats often a good value indicator...

 

[bushwacker bob]

00 grade wire wool should get the rest off.
I wont guess at the words cos the lower line sounds like what lots of folk call me.
Handles are jigged bone.

 

[MartiniDave]

If it was your dad's its not scrap, it's priceless!

I've got a couple of my dad's knives, using them seems to give me a direct link back to the old fella.

good luck with the clean up, I hope it goes well and gives you something special to cherish.

Dave

 

[PRKL]

00 grade wire wool should get the rest off.
I wont guess at the words cos the lower line sounds like what lots of folk call me.
Handles are jigged bone.

"..lower line sounds like what lots of folk call me."

 

[ged]

... how do I get about cleaning it and removing the rust

No idea what it is. I would stay away from abrasives and anything harsh until you know a bit more about it. Soaking it in vinegar or as has been suggested lemon juice will get the rust off if you're patient, but keep an eye on it, I'd be worried about the non-metal parts. Use a soft brush frequently to see how it's progressing.

There's a half-round, vertical text on the left that could be "CUIL.." or "CUTL...".

Cutlery?

 

[zorro]

I collect old Sheffield folders, but it's not ringing any bells.

Could be European, French or German?

Posting on British Blades may turn up something regarding the maker which could also give an indication of it's age. If you aren't a member there I can post for you?

Regarding restoration, I wouldn't initially use abrasives. My advice would be to coat the metal parts with a thin layer of "autosol", let it stand a few minutes then remove with a cloth. It will fetch off any lose gunk and surface rust without disturbing the patina, then you can see what further action may be necessary. You may have to do this a couple of times.

You're quite right not to want to remove the patina, this actually protects the steel from further corrosion.

If it's part of your families history, it's certainly not junk.

Good luck with it, let me know if you me to post for you on BB.

 

[malente]

Thanks all for your replies!

zorro, Cheers for your offer, the knife is probably German (I live in Germany), and I will post it over on BB as well, (I have the same nick name there).

I will try vinegar or lemon juice or autosol first (where can I get that stuff?) , to get the surface rust and dirt off, then I'll have to see. But I'll wait till I posted it on BB.

You are all quite right, it carries a lot of personal worth (I would never sell it), my earlier statement was regarding the make and build quality of the knife!

Again, many thanks!

Mike

 

[malente]

Mystery seems to be partly solved: French and old! (BB thread with answer)

 

[zorro]

Autosol is a chrome cleaning/polishing cream, comes in a tube like toothpaste. We can get it in the UK from motor factors or car spares shops.

 

[malente]

Cheers zorro. I have Puma metal-polish (Amazon link), will this work too? the lady in the gun shop said the hunters polish their hunting-horns with it.

 

[bushwacker bob]

yep. similar stuff.