When purchasing vintage, do you polish scratched blades?

[DavZell]

When purchasing vintage, do you polish scratched blades?  Does it depend on how scratched? 

I have a couple that look like they were used to dig through dirt with, and to me look terrible.  Others, that have a few scratches from mild use, I like to think of as ok and would leave alone.

What do all of you do?  Never polish, always polish, or somewhere in between?

[marlowe221]

I clean. But I do not polish.

Generally, I'm buying one I already know has some wear marks. If I'm not OK with that then I will shop around some more or buy a new SAK.

[DavZell]

I clean. But I do not polish.

Generally, I'm buying one I already know has some wear marks. If I'm not OK with that then I will shop around some more or buy a new SAK.

In my case, I'm usually buying something a bit worn that brings it into my price range.  So I know they're not in top condition.  But I was wondering where people stood in general.  I appreciate that you shared your thoughts.

[Echotech]

I clean. But I do not polish.

Generally, I'm buying one I already know has some wear marks. If I'm not OK with that then I will shop around some more or buy a new SAK.

Basically the same here, depends if they’re for use or just the collection

I’ve a small collection of WW II Australian army knives which came pretty beat up but that’s also part of their charm. I’ve cleaned them up, got rid of any rust or anything else that might be detrimental, given them a coating of oil and that’s it

With my older SAKs I’ve tended to buy them in better condition in the first place but some have scratched blades which I’ve left, partly in fear of not doing a good job and then regretting it

With Leatherman MT’s and knives it’s a mix. I’ve got some just for the collection, so just a clean and oil. Those for use get the same but also tidy up and sharpen the blade

[DavZell]

Thanks, Echotech.  So7nds like a good approach, too.

[BarbaBaba]

Maybe "vintage" could be defined? Since I like to build (re-build) with my own liners and scales it all depends on the condition of the knife I find with intent to re-build. And if it´s a rare model... I recently got a late 1950s model with the old awl. All tools look very nice with just some small scratches, I will leave that  as it is. And my latest find, a 1961-1973 84mm Tourist that had some scratches (probably from bad sharpening skills). I will give those tools a acid/stone wash. After sharpening I think it looks perfect with som dark skratched tools

[Tasky]

I do like to polish them up. It's part of making it belong to you.