KA-BAR fish knife

[bjh]

ka bar yellow handle 5" fish knife T29, back of tang with union cut co olean ny marking. are these handles celluloid? If so has anyone lightly sanded and polished celluloid handles to clean them up a little? the only celluloid handles I have are a case ax/knife combo and when I didn't know any better I buffed them on a wheel with 555 compound and it didn't do any damage yet.

[cody6268]

Celluloid is said to be EXTREMELY flammable. I would avoid any heat or friction period.

[Gunsil]

Yes, they are celluloid. Yes, easy to "clean up". 400 grit wet or dry paper, 600, 800, then buff at slow speed with Zam, a compound used for soft stones and jewelry available from lapidary supply houses. Don't worry about it igniting, it won't. Use a 1720 RPM buffer if possible and a smaller diameter buffing wheel to keep the surface speed down. Do not press hard while buffing, go slowly. Try to avoid a buffer with a 3450 RPM motor. Hopefully the scratches are not deep and the 400 will suffice as a starting grit. Celluloid is pretty soft and sands and buffs easily but will melt if you buff too hard or fast.

[bjh]

thank you gunsil, I will go slow and easy