Got a nice knife? Let's see it.

Google up "electrolytic rust removal".

It will take away the rust, but leave the base metal untouched.

Judging by the serial number and blade shape, I think your Mk II is newer than mine but I expect that it is still made of tool steel rather than stainless. They will clean up as mentioned above, patience and oiled, fine, (stainless if you can find it, boat guys use it because it doesn't leave rust behind, look to marine suppliers) steel wool will get rid of the rust. If you find pitting underneath, you will have to decide between original +/- condition and polishing it. Your knife- your decision, collectors would probably lean toward keeping it as original as possible but their opinion doesn't matter until you are through with it. I don't remember much about what steel went into the BMFs, I think that it is a stainless (as to which one???) and I expect that it will clean up with the same technique, probably better results. I haven't seen much about the BMFs being really collectable, might as well hang onto that for a while longer as well.


Bruce

Good thought, I need to learn more about that one of these days.

Bruce

I'll for sure hold onto the Mark II as it holds a lot of sentimental value for me. The BMF not so much and its in much worse condition.

Thanks for the feedback fellas.

I've been working on prototyping a knife, the first I'll do in "production" mode, hopefully with a run of 20 or so to see how they sell.

From design...




... to execution:





I call it the Everyday Companion. 3.75" of edge, 7 3/8" overall length. 1095 carbon steel, nickle silver bolsters and pins, G10 scales. One of the sharpest knives I've ever made, starting at 1/8" at the spine with both distal taper and a nearly flat grind.

Please pardon the bad photo and cat hair - it's 2am and I just came in from the shop.

Want... I wish I could afford one...

I've always liked your work, nice knife Smithy.

I hope to keep them affordable, like, in the $150 range with hand-tooled leather sheath.

Thanks for the compliments.

Shoulda come with a box for your finger....




:eek1

If you screw one up let me know...

I'll start squirreling money away...

Is it to soon to call dibs?

Not taking money until I have product on the shelf I'm happy with, but I'm pleased with the positive response. I'll start a Vendor thread when they're ready and for sale.

There's a reason it's in a sealed case.

Finally took a pic of my grandfathers old knife. An Inuit made it for him in Alaska back in the 1930's.

I'd be in for one for sure. I hope you'll offer a few choices in the color of G10.

Wonderful!

What interests you? I get mine from Jantz, so take a look at what they have and I may get some alternate selections beyond black and pink.

I'm really partial to Canvas Micarta if you are going with a synthetic.

Green is cool, natural also good. The white paper looks like ivory, don't know if that would be a good look on this design or not.

Put ME down for one - hope you give a preference to previous customers...wink wink...