Dad's Queen Steel #43

[Pit_Viper]

I need a little help with my dad's pocket knife. I found it in his jewelry box that I inherited. I have never seen him carry it, and putting its condition together with dad's personality, I'm guessing it's history is a bit like this... He received it as a gift, used the larger blade only until it lost its edge, then it got put up. Trying to find out about it led me here, to a thread about the '76 model #43. Any info on it would be appreciated. Also, it needs a good cleaning. It has some sort of sticky goo in it. What is the best way to clean it up?

Queen Steel #43 blade mark

[KnifeSlinger#81]

I would wipe the blades down with wd40 to get rid of the goo, it does very well for that. Other than that use a toothbrush in the blade well and blade tangs to get rid of any lint or dirt, and wipe it down with a good soft cloth and maybe some light oil on the blades.

[treefarmer]

I can't see a tang stamp on your dad's knife. It will be on the same side as the etch marked Queen Steel #43, down next to the handle. If there is no stamp in that area, the knife will fall into the 1960-1972 era. For some reason Queen eliminated the tang stamp during those years. In todays language it would be called "value engineering". The handle appears to be what is called "Imitation Winterbottom". They are made from something called Delrin. Soak the knife in some water with a heavy shot of liquid dish soap, this will float and cut a lot of build up from the blades and the blade well. If the junk you mentioned is tougher, maybe a light solvent or penetrating oil might clean it up. Those knives are almost indestructible, still be gentle.
Treefarmer

[Mumbleypeg]

Welcome to AAPK! Glad you found the site. Your knife looks like a nice old equal-end pen pattern. The handles are a very durable synthetic material called Delrin. As already stated the "goo" can probably be removed using a petroleum-based solvent. After you get the goo removed you can safely give it a bath in lukewarm water and dish soap (Dawn, Joy, or equivalent) using a soft-bristle brush. After the bath be sure to thoroughly dry the knife inside and out. Compressed air is great for getting excess water out. WD-40 is also good for moisture displacement after the bath. Wipe it off after applying and then lube the joints with a light household oil like 3-in-1. One small drop in each joint, and work the blades open and closed a few times to disperse it in the joints. More than that will just make a mess and attract dirt.

Here's a thread it's more info on cleaning if you're interested. viewtopic.php?f=37&t=54157

Even though your dad didn't use it much it's a treasure to have a knife he owned and carried, if only briefly!

Ken

[bdev]

Welcome to AAPK.
I'm assuming the '76 you mention is stamped on the tang. If so, your knife was made in 1976 and has Winterbottom Delrin handles.
Queen calls this pattern the "Small Serpentine Pen".

[Pit_Viper]

Thank you for all the replies and warm welcomes! I was honestly considering soaking it in alcohol. I like comparing the craftsmanship of the vintage knives to today's versions.

Welcome to AAPK.
I'm assuming the '76 you mention is stamped on the tang. If so, your knife was made in 1976 and has Winterbottom Delrin handles.
Queen calls this pattern the "Small Serpentine Pen".

It doesn't have the '76 stamp, that's just the thread on here that google found.

Even though your dad didn't use it much it's a treasure to have a knife he owned and carried, if only briefly!

Yes! With that in mind, I have a Case toothpick that I carry, I can't imagine carrying dad's knife daily. Would it be best to not sharpen it and leave it in is never sharpened condition?

[Mumbleypeg]

Whether or not to sharpen it is your personal preference and how you want to honor your dad's memory. If you want to keep it as he left it and have no plans to ever use it, leaving it as is would be my recommendation. But if you want to honor him by carrying and using it yourself, by all means carefully sharpen it (a dull knife is indeed more dangerous than a sharp one). And if you have an heir to pass it on to some day, a knife carried by both you and your dad - well, you get the picture.

Ken

[kootenay joe]

Sharpen it. Then, if one day you get the urge to carry it, it is set to go. I believe making it one of your regular carry pocket knives is the best way to honor your father. Every time you use it, the memory that it was your dad's knife will come to mind. Don't worry if it gets a few marks or scars. Signs of honest use add character & interest to a knife.
kj