Old pocket knife

[Old Dude]

Hi folks. I got out for a little bit 2 days ago to finish up one portion of a corn field. Most of the finds from here are from the 1900-1920's, but as old as pre-Civil War also. I don't know how long folding knives have been carried, but this appears to have a little age to it. At first, I thought the handles were bone, but as brittle as they are, I would guess wood maybe now. My first thought was to toss it, but the more I look at it, I am inclined to maybe add it to a shadow box display of found relics. Cleaning this is going to pose a little dilemma because of the fragility of the handles. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks all!

 

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[Eagleye]

Nice knife Old dude, I think it looks cool as it is and wouldn't risk cleaning it too much. As you said it looks quite delicate. Good one

 

[dansalata]

cool f
ind,id say keeper

 

[Old Dude]

Thanks! I did a little research and found folding knives have been around for many centuries!
http://www.eggintongroup.co.uk/history/the-history-of-pocket-knives.html
This URL is pretty cool because my girl friend is originally from Sheffield. I didn't know this until I met her, but Sheffield is the Pittsburgh of the UK. The city's main source of employment and claim to fame is/was metal works. Her father was an engineer for one of the big companies there.

 

[ModernMiner]

Nice knife Old dude, I think it looks cool as it is and wouldn't risk cleaning it too much. As you said it looks quite delicate. Good one

I agree. I wouldn't try to clean it as it way fall apart trying to do so. Coat it with some poly to preserve it and keep it in tact. I like to use more of a matt finish rather than a gloss, because the relics look more natural then.
Neat find OD. It may have been Quindy's Boy Scout knife if it goes into the 1800's.
Thanks for the link too.
-DUHg-

 

[Davers]

Cool Old Knife Old Dude.

 

[Davers]

I agree. I wouldn't try to clean it as it way fall apart trying to do so. Coat it with some poly to preserve it and keep it in tact. I like to use more of a matt finish rather than a gloss, because the relics look more natural then.
Neat find OD. It may have been Quindy's Boy Scout knife if it goes into the 1800's.
Thanks for the link too.
-DUHg-

M M -How Would you suggest "Drying " the knife out before the Poly Coating?
I,have found a few the need to be coated , I just Don't want to lock the rust in.
Thanks
Davers

 

[gunsil]

Handle material appears to be what knife guys call "rough black" a synthetic material made to look like jigged bone. Knife appears to be 1930s or newer.

 

[Msbeepbeep]

Great old folding knife!

 

[ModernMiner]

M M -How Would you suggest "Drying " the knife out before the Poly Coating?
I,have found a few the need to be coated , I just Don't want to lock the rust in.
Thanks
Davers

I have a small toaster oven that I use on low heat, but I thick a hair dryer would work just as well.
I have a lot of relics I've done this with and they have held up just fine.
-MM-

 

[Mr.T]

Hi- check out aquachiggers video on how to hot wax treat rusted relics , on his you tube channel.

hh rory

 

[VOL1266-X]

They are fun to find OD & figuring how old they are is an inexact science apparently. WTG, Q.

 

[SC_hunter]

I think it would look nice just the way it is....Congrats on the find.

 

[Wilton_Kayne]

Awesome find!