Old Rusty Knife

rickyt · Sep 16, 2023

My dad back in the 50's did his National Service in the RAF. Was based in Germany and brought back many a souvenir, mainly ceramic ornaments and the like. One thing he brought back and hung on the wall at my gran's house all through the 60's & 70's was a dagger, nothing to do with the war or anything like that. It eventually hung on the wall at our house. After my dad died it was put in a cupboard then for some reason my mam put it in the outhouse. Cold and damp the knife started to rust and as you can see by the pictures it remains in the same condition. Can anyone tell me if the handle is bone or ivory? How can I make the handle cream coloured as it was and how do I get rid of the rust?

rjm6120 · Sep 16, 2023

I can't advise on what to do with the handles (I would probably just leave those alone, age/patina(?)---if there is such a thing with bone/ivory).

As for the blade, try some well-oiled 000 or 0000 bronze wool and see if that will take the rust off. The rust really doesn't look too bad, but you'll still have some discolored areas after the rust removal.

Very cool knife nonetheless. I, myself, would be proud to own it!

Heinz · Sep 16, 2023

I woud absolutely leave the handles alone. Both bone and ivory yellow with age. Post #2 is good on the rust removal. Is there a makers mark or country or origin on the blade or handle? It is a neat hanging for in the man cave. Your Mother probably hated it. It looks more like India/Pakistan than Germany to me, but in the 50's in recovering Germany anything is possible.

rickyt · Sep 16, 2023

Many thanks for the replys. No makers marks, stamps ,etc on it at all. Shame about the handle discolouration, it was never like that. I just presumed it was German made as it was bought there .

As I was typing this post I did a search for a "German etched blade dagger" and was amazed to find the very same item on auction sites.
So ,it is German after all.

Heinz · Sep 16, 2023

It may have markings that only show when the handle is off. You see the same aging on the handles of the auction knife. It is about 70 years old now, so you would expect that.

rickyt · Sep 16, 2023

The description on one of the auction sites read:
"A vintage German dagger, combination handle with Bakelite and metal ribbed bands, diamond-cut shape blade decorated with etched anchor and floral motifs and marked by the maker "IMCO SOLINGEN Made in Germany", original brown leather scabbard"

I will clean it up as best as I can and stick it back on a wall to view.

thanks everyone.

H Richard · Sep 16, 2023

After you clean it up, put a little wax on the blade to keep any rust off it. Renaissance Wax i best, but most auto wax will do just fine.

rickyt · Sep 17, 2023

Well, I cleaned the blade up a little using very fine emery paper and oil, then using a mixture of Brasso & scratch remover managed to brighten up the handle/grip . The blade is better on one side and quite pitted on the other but at least it's better looking than it was. Thanks

Inusuit · Sep 17, 2023

Oof. Too late now. I would have left that wonderful handle patina alone. Over 70 years of natural aging is now gone. But your knife, do as you please.

rickyt · Sep 17, 2023

Oop's too late. Someone else mentioned to leave alone too. It didn't look as nice as I remember it when I was young. It will discolour again in time I'm sure ,but I may not be around to see it.

Old Rusty Knife

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