How do you restore used SAKs?

[mr626]

Hello all,

Interested to hear the different methods people use to restore used SAKs. I am new to this, but my basic process is:

-Initial clean in warm soapy water with soft toothbrush
-Repairs as required (mainly regrinding knife points where they have broken off, occasionally bending things back into shape)
-Polishing of metal components with rotary tool (Dremel) and Autosol polish
-Polishing of scales: using progressively finer grit sandpaper and then finally some Autosol
-Sharpen blades
-Second wash in warm soapy water
-Lubricate/with WD-40 and/or sewing machine oil
-Final clean and polish with microfibre cloth

I find restoring the scales the trickiest bit. I can get them looking pretty good, but never to the standard that someone would mistake them for being brand new.

[Reinier]

I only use Victorinox oil which is food safe, never WD40.

[jaydar]

One note if you have old fibre scales make sure you use cold water .... otherwise they can go a little nasty

[Thunderpants]

Some guy just trashed the blade on my OHT... it's still sharp but the polish is scuffed to hell. Any tips on how to restore some shine? (What is Autosol?)

[mr626]

I only use Victorinox oil which is food safe, never WD40.

I never use my SAKs for anything food-related, so I'm not too concerned about that sort of thing

[mr626]

Some guy just trashed the blade on my OHT... it's still sharp but the polish is scuffed to hell. Any tips on how to restore some shine? (What is Autosol?)

Autosol is an automotive polish, it comes in a toothpaste-like tube. It was recommended to me by a number of local antiques dealers who have found it to be one of the best performing ones, without leaving lots of residue like some polishes do. I've been using it with great success restoring vintage safety razors, so it was my first choice for SAKs also.

I'ts a German product, not sure it it is sold everywhere?

[Thunderpants]

I'ts a German product

Aha!
I'm in Germany so it shouldn't be too hard to track down!

Edit:

Spamazon has it, natch.

[captain spaulding]

Some guy just trashed the blade on my OHT... it's still sharp but the polish is scuffed to hell. Any tips on how to restore some shine? (What is Autosol?)

Did you lend it out and it came back trashed? I would be  .

[Thunderpants]

No, he just used it without asking ... 

Not the end of the world, though...

[bren10man]

1. Remove all toothpicks and tweezers.  Those get boiled for obvious reasons.

2. Open/fan SAK all the way.  Remove any dirt, lent, grime, etc. with M16 rifle cleaning kit toothbrush, cotton swabs, and pipe cleaners. 

3. Clean in ultrasonic cleaner (dentists use this to clean dental instruments) for 5 or so minutes.

4. Dry off. 

5. Scales: a. use car headlight restoration polish.  DO NOT USE A DREMEL TOOL!!  Ask me how I know
b. if no good, use new ones.  I have a stash of black and red.

6. Blades or tools: I use Flitz metal polish with a Dremel tool set on LOW speed, and move up the speed as needed, to remove scratches.  I HATE IDIOTS THAT USE A CAN OPENER KITCHEN POWER KNIFE SHARPENER!!!!!!!!   To sharpen blades, I use a diamond sharpener or a small Gerber cross sticks sharpener.

7. Oil with gun-oil, CLP, etc.

8. Enjoy!!

[Fattsgalore]

It'll depend on how bad they are.

A grade SAKs get almost no attention cause they wont need it. Quick wipe down with what ever.
B grade SAKs will be cleaned in hot soapy water, oiled (with whatever) and sharpened if needed.
C grade SAKs will normally need serious cleaning, oiling, and sharpening along with maybe the replacement of scales.
D and F grade SAKs are parts if they aren't completely FUBAR.
What ever can be salvaged will be. Even a bushing is worth saving IMO. Damaged tools and scales will be tossed.

I don't go as far as to polishing or repairing anything. Most items I get are to be sold and if it's going in the collection than it's Grade A.
For me personally there's no point putting a bunch of time, effort, and resources into a single piece when it'll be sold for just a few bucks.

I will however look into restoring scales soon. (only those that need it)

[GigaHz]

I only use Victorinox oil which is food safe, never WD40.

I agree. WD-40 to clean but not as a lubricant. That stuff stinks. Vic oil is odorless and tasteless. I also use Flitz as a metal polish.