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Thread: Basic restoration for dad

  1. #1

    Basic restoration for dad

    My mother recently gave me this Kabar pocket knife (model 1152):

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    My dad has Alzheimer's and believes this was his father's knife but the math doesn't add up. I know it's not particularly valuable. Nevertheless it held some significance and I'd like to clean it up and show it to him clean, shiny and oiled. The sides appear riveted in place. I'd appreciate any tips on how to disassemble, clean, and oil it.

    Thanks!

  2. #2
    Site Supporter
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    Dec 2015
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    Ohio
    I'd be tempted to use an ultrasonic cleaner for a few hours and letting it sit in a dehydrator over night, to get the built in gunk out.

  3. #3
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    If it is riveted together, disassembly is strongly discouraged. Getting it back together might not be possible or feasible.


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    Any legal information I may post is general information, and is not legal advice. Such information may or may not apply to your specific situation. I am not your attorney unless an attorney-client relationship is separately and privately established.

  4. #4
    Site Supporter
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    In the desert, looking for water.
    Generally, you don’t disassemble those, so long as the blades are tight in the joints and the springs are functioning correctly. Even if the joints feel crunchy and tight, cleaning and lube usually correct that.

    Soak it in some food grade mineral oil. Like, for a day or so. Use toothpicks, ear swabs, business cards, etc to clean out the blade channel. Absent pitting, the patina on those carbon steel blades doesn’t need removing, but if you really want to, just use a very mild metal polish like Flitz. No power tools, no abrasives.

  5. #5
    Due to his condition, is it possible to buy one in better shape? I know that's not the answer you were looking for but since it's his happiness that's important to you, maybe a white lie restoration job would do the trick.

    https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...+1152&_sacat=0

  6. #6
    banana republican blues's Avatar
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    Aug 2016
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    Blue Ridge Mtns
    @Duelist and @BillSWPA gave you the recommended advice. Don't use anything more abrasive than a toothbrush. That knife earned its marks and scars.
    There's nothing civil about this war.

    Read: Harrison Bergeron

  7. #7
    Quote Originally Posted by Duelist View Post
    Generally, you don’t disassemble those, so long as the blades are tight in the joints and the springs are functioning correctly. Even if the joints feel crunchy and tight, cleaning and lube usually correct that.

    Soak it in some food grade mineral oil. Like, for a day or so. Use toothpicks, ear swabs, business cards, etc to clean out the blade channel. Absent pitting, the patina on those carbon steel blades doesn’t need removing, but if you really want to, just use a very mild metal polish like Flitz. No power tools, no abrasives.
    "Crunchy and tight" in the joints is accurate. I will do as you say.

  8. #8
    banana republican blues's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2016
    Location
    Blue Ridge Mtns
    When you're done with the ministrations, you can give the knife a gentle washing with Dawn dishwashing liquid, then shake out, towel dry, even use a blower (cool) to remove excess / remaining moisture.

    (This comes from a well known cutler on bladeforums who specializes in traditional slip joint knives. You can also use WD-40 to help with the moisture removal if need be.)
    There's nothing civil about this war.

    Read: Harrison Bergeron

  9. #9
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    Feb 2011
    Location
    Midwest
    Blessings for you and your father.
    I am not your attorney. I am not giving legal advice. Any and all opinions expressed are personal and my own and are not those of any employer-past, present or future.

  10. #10
    Site Supporter
    Join Date
    Dec 2015
    Location
    Ohio
    Quote Originally Posted by blues View Post
    When you're done with the ministrations, you can give the knife a gentle washing with Dawn dishwashing liquid, then shake out, towel dry, even use a blower (cool) to remove excess / remaining moisture.

    (This comes from a well known cutler on bladeforums who specializes in traditional slip joint knives. You can also use WD-40 to help with the moisture removal if need be.)
    Food dehydrator / brass dryer if you have one will do a very, very good job of moisture removal without introducing WD40 that can varnish over time.

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