All About Pocket Knives

Hey guys,
I need your help deciding.

I just picked this Old timer with the intent of customizing it. I'm going to rehandle it, work the backspring or liners, etc. Anyway, should I go ahead and polish the blades or leave as is? It has been cleaned by whoever had it before and needs sharpening.

So, Polish them or leave them and just sharpen?
I'm thinking if I go with wood or stag, leave the patina. If I go with MOP polish.

What thinks ye?

Thanks!

Hey Craig,
I believe if I were going to go to the trouble to do all the things you intend to do to modify that knife I would go ahead and put as bright a shine as possiable on the blades. You're already gonna be a long way from original condition so why not?

Just curious, what kind of scales do you plan to use on it?

ps Sure would like to see it when you finish it.

Phil

Phil,
I'm leaning towards MOP or whitetail deer. I've got some horn laying around from deer I've killed to use for this sort of project.

I know I'm going a little overboard on this knife, but hey, I've just gotta try it. I ain't done much customizing just making from scratch.

I'm probably not going to get to this project for a while. Still in the middle of the Fixed blade tutorial knife, have 2 to make sheaths for, and 2 to finish and make sheaths for. But, I'll definitely post the results when finished.

I think I'd go with the whitetail - it's already there and MOP can be pricey.

Yeah, most MOP can be, but I got a real deal on some several years ago. It's thin, like 1/16" thick, but only cost $5 for 2 pieces. They don't necessarily match as good as the high dollar stuff, but I've not seen to much MOP that matched to good anyway.

But, I'm thinking on this one I'm going to like the deer horn better anyway.

I'd use the whitetail & clean the blades by hand. 400 then 600 then 1200 with a little block under the paper. It'll make a great knife however you do it. If you use the stag you'll probably carry it. Here is some nice Texas whitetail. The white part is a little gray & speckledy compared to sanbar or red stag which doesn't bother me a bit. Marvin

knifemaker3 wrote:Yeah, most MOP can be, but I got a real deal on some several years ago. It's thin, like 1/16" thick, but only cost $5 for 2 pieces. They don't necessarily match as good as the high dollar stuff, but I've not seen to much MOP that matched to good anyway.

But, I'm thinking on this one I'm going to like the deer horn better anyway.

That thin pearl can make some nice inlays - sometimes color can be improved by putting dark bright color hidden behind the pearl. Sometimes - NOT!