So I have this old skinning knife I got in my teens...

[Magus]

I've never let it rust, but for some reason it's pitting, like a layer of steel is separating from the blade any ideas? should I just sand it and polish it and go on
or toss it. its worth in the area of 30$ to a collector. This isn't my knife, but it is the same kind.

 

[Neb]

I've never let it rust, but for some reason it's pitting, like a layer of steel is separating from the blade any ideas? should I just sand it and polish it and go on
or toss it. its worth in the area of 30$ to a collector. This isn't my knife, but it is the same kind.

Could post an image of your knife showing the affected areas?

Ben

 

[Magus]

Sadly no, no camera, no C.P.

It looks like blisters.

 

[LadyLocust]

I've never let it rust, but for some reason it's pitting, like a layer of steel is separating from the blade any ideas? should I just sand it and polish it and go on
or toss it. its worth in the area of 30$ to a collector. This isn't my knife, but it is the same kind.

So I asked Hubby who is a blacksmith & metal fabricator. He said without seeing it, it could be sanded & polished, but you need to figure out what is causing the pitting. If it's not been rusted, the only other thing that comes to mind is chemicals. So if it's kept near a pool or hot tub or some other area where there are chemicals in the air, they can damage the metal. You don't need to throw it out if it still holds an edge.

 

[Magus]

Bingo. I kept it in a hunting box in the bathroom, the amount of chlorine in the water here is appalling!

 

[Frodo]

000 steel wool, and a dremel up next to the hilt

keep it wrapped in an oiled wash cloth

 

[Magus]

A tad beyond steel wool. some 200 grit and a buffer should do it. I think my issue started when I sprayed it with silicone
instead of using oil.

 

[Frodo]

check your local harbor freight for cerakote
sand [ceramic] blast the knife, acetone wipe then coat it using your toaster oven. OR If you live dangerously
use your oven in the kitchen.

 

[Magus]

I like ceramic paint myself. but yeah, good idea

 

[hughewil]

is it a westen or west cut? should have the company name and where manufactured on the ricasso

 

[Magus]

Looks like western, it came from a western auto back around '75.

 

[Spikedriver]

Honestly...I would just use it. Blades don't have to be beautiful to be effective...

 

[Magus]

Ever see my utility series? LMAO.