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How I Cleaned a Vintage Pocket Knife

 
 
 
I got this Imperial (USA) "KAMP-KING" boy scout style pocket knife from a bundle of three knives. I bought the bundle not for this knife. I decided to clean it anyway. Make it serviceable again, since it holds an awl ,a screwdriver and a can opener: much more useful than a pretty Stockman.

These are called Shell Knives, apparently due to their shell type scale construction. ( c.1956 - 1988 )

 I cannot describe how rewarding it is  to collect these knives.They always shed a little history when you pry open their shells. From this specimen, I can roughly tell: The previous owner either has very sweaty palms or he frequented the beach. He had curly black hair (hopefully from his head) and he always carried his knife in his pocket. (note the pocket fluff) On the other hand, drawer or basement dwellers usually includes a retired spider who invariably suffered a fatal cardiac arrest on the way the post office.
The 2 strips of horse tooth shaped black plastique is what remains of the scale coating the jigged-embossed shell. Yes, this knife had black scales.

Note the little lug on the shell. These clamp on to the steel liners. Note also the dented shell.

 A sharp thin bladed knife and a fresh razor blade makes quick work of decades of corrosion.

I followed through with a quick buff with my cordless wire-brush.

Using some rags, I cushioned the scale while I pushed out the dent with a wooden stick, frequently checking the fit against the knife.

The other side of the knife. Repeat scraping process.


In all fairness, the factory did use electroplated liners before slapping on the shells, but like I said, that handsome Italian guy had very sweaty palms.

While researching company info a while back, I came across the site "All About Pocket Knives" More precisely, their Colonial Knife collector's forum. Colonial is another Colossal Knife factory in Providence, Rhode Island.

 Colonial Knife Company Collector's Forum

 There, I managed to speak to Robert Paolantonio, the 3rd generation cutler and business owner of Colonial. From what I gather, he may have worked on some of my Colonials in my drawer! He is THE authority on Colonial Knives (naturally), and he answers all my questions. It's just amazing. Talking to the cutler himself from decades ago.

 Finally, I re-shaped the blade. Originally spear shaped, it was sharpened to a recurved Wharncliff. I now try to make it a simple coping blade with a mostly straight cutting edge.

 I left the patina alone on the Mark side.


The pile side was badly defaced on a grinder by the previous owner. I mirror polished it. A patch of concavity remains.


Tang stamp dates this knife to around 1956-1988, according to these guys at 


I used some galvanized wire to make a bail.
I then finish with a small translucent Arkansas oilstone.

A coat of black paint won't hurt either














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