Pocketknife - cleaning help

[sosa961]

Hello, I have been finding a lot of old farm equipment at an old home/barn site, but this is my first non-iron tool find!

Any suggestions on how to clean it without ruining it. I use white vinegar to clean my iron finds, but am assuming I need to be more careful with this one

Thanks in advance.

 

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[diggingthe1]

It looks pretty crusty, good luck if you try to tackle it. The ones I mess with fall apart. You might try to buy an identical one. Oil and a small wire brush is what I would try, although I'm no expert.

 

[A2coins]

Electrolysis may help but some are too far gone....... good luck

 

[colonial relic hunter]

Not much you can do but in the past l have just gave them a light cleaning with dish soap and a soft tooth brush and them rinse it off and pat it down and when it is dry put furniture oil or something like that.. The key is not to over clean just to preserve..

 

[danloop]

Nice project for you.

 

[djackson7348]

Good luck if you give it a try. I have never had any luck trying to improve them myself in the past. I always end up regretting that I didn't leave well enough alone. If it works out for you, please share your technique.

 

[gunsil]

Looks like bone handle scales. I don't think you will improve it by any cleaning other than soapy water and a toothbrush and let it dry quickly. By the way, that style of knife is called an "elephant toe nail" or "sunfish" pattern. They were popular in the early 20th century as heavy duty knives and often used to cut rope. Most American cutlery companies made this pattern and some were made in Germany. Sadly, no amount of cleaning will show who actually made the knife since the makers mark will be rusted away.

 

[sosa961]

Thanks guys, I’ll go easy on it with toothbrush and dish soap.

@gunsil thank you!!! That was my goal, to be able to ID it and get a relative time period. much appreciated.