Taking care of older SAKs

Etherealicer · **on:** September 27, 2015, 10:54:54 PM

Usually, I like new and modern, but today I carried my Wenger Soldier '52 (model '51 doh...). The knife is in great condition but needs to be cleaned thoroughly, also the scales are in excellent shape and I would like to keep it that way.

Usually, I'm quite nonchalant when cleaning my knifes, sticking them into the dishwasher, but I don't dare doing that to this pretty lady...

How do you clean your older knifes?
Any special tips on fiber-scale maintenance?

NetsNJ · **Reply #1 on:** September 27, 2015, 11:03:37 PM

Quote from: Etherealicer on September 27, 2015, 10:54:54 PM

Usually, I'm quite nonchalant when cleaning my knifes, sticking them into the dishwasher, but I don't dare doing that to this pretty lady...

I did not think Cellidor was heat-resistant enough to be dishwasher safe.

jaydar · **Reply #2 on:** September 28, 2015, 12:03:14 AM

Dont let them get to wet scrub with dish soap and cold water .

Defiantly no dishwasher .... unless you have plans to rescale it:)

Etherealicer · **Reply #3 on:** September 28, 2015, 03:24:22 AM

Quote from: NetsNJ on September 27, 2015, 11:03:37 PM

Quote from: Etherealicer on September 27, 2015, 10:54:54 PM
Usually, I'm quite nonchalant when cleaning my knifes, sticking them into the dishwasher, but I don't dare doing that to this pretty lady...

I did not think Cellidor was heat-resistant enough to be dishwasher safe.

My dishwasher does wash at 35°C. Never had any trouble with cellidor.

Etherealicer · **Reply #4 on:** September 28, 2015, 03:25:22 AM

Quote from: jaydar on September 28, 2015, 12:03:14 AM

Dont let them get to wet scrub with dish soap and cold water .

Defiantly no dishwasher .... unless you have plans to rescale it:)

Ok, will do that, maybe use some compressed air.

jazzbass · **Reply #5 on:** September 28, 2015, 06:56:22 AM

Since fiber doesn't like water too much in my experience, I clean fiber- and horn- scaled knives with solvents (WD-40 or Breakfree CLP typically), dental picks, toothpicks and Q-tips. Never immerse, just spray on and wipe off. It takes a while. Celidor I just throw in the ultrasonic cleaner.

bren10man · **Reply #6 on:** September 29, 2015, 01:51:51 AM

After an E-Bay purchase (not done in a while) or after dumpster diving in a TSA seized bucket full of SAKs at a gun show, once they arrive home, off for a 10-15 minute heated ultrasonic bath they go. Followed by drying, oiling, and a sharpening, if need be. Eventually, buff the scales to get the sheen back.

tattoosteve99 · **Reply #7 on:** October 03, 2015, 02:31:34 AM

I wonder if sealing the older fiber models would work? I know your supposed to seal g10 and micarta but wonder if this would work for those too

Etherealicer · **Reply #8 on:** October 03, 2015, 09:13:58 AM

Quote from: tattoosteve99 on October 03, 2015, 02:31:34 AM

I wonder if sealing the older fiber models would work? I know your supposed to seal g10 and micarta but wonder if this would work for those too

I'm sure they can be sealed, question is what is the best method for that...

glenfiddich1983 · **Reply #9 on:** March 08, 2017, 12:08:48 PM

Excuse me for resuscitating this old thread

I have an old Soldier Knife (1947) where the wooden scales are warped a bit on the end.

Is there a way of making them straight again, without risking to crack the scales?

ThePeacent · **Reply #10 on:** March 08, 2017, 06:40:33 PM

On cellidor ones (like this one I got yesterday) I use water at 70ºC, brushes and toothbrushes, then some WD40 and they almost always end up nice, clean and shiny afterwards