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I just acquired a fixer upper.

I got this Imperial fish knife on ebay. I could see from the photos that it was rough. There were no bids on it. The minimum bid was $4.95 with $3.00 shipping. So I stuck in the minumum bid. I figured that if I got it, I would try my hand at improving it. At $7.95 I wouldn't be risking much.

When it came today I was pleasantly surprised. The knife is in much better condition than I expected. Mechanically there is nothing wrong with the knife. The scales, shield, and bolsters need little if any work. Based on how rough the scaler blade is, I think someone must have already worked on the knife blade. With some cleaning and lubing, I think I will have a nice knife for $7.95.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on April 6, 2013 at 21:20

Charles that knife does not look half bad! A little cleaning to get that tarnish off, a resharpen and you have a good usable fish knife!

Permalink Reply by Lee Smith on April 6, 2013 at 21:29

I have a few fixer uppers. I just put them in a box and look at them from time to time wishing I had the know how to do something with them.

FeaturedPermalink Reply by Charles Sample on April 6, 2013 at 23:58

I know what you mean, Lee. I am glad this one only needs cleaning and lubing. I wish I had the know how to do more too. I may try to pick up another cheap beater to practice on.

FeaturedPermalink Reply by Craig Henry on April 7, 2013 at 1:02

I agree with Steve. That looks in pretty good shape. I think a little bit of "Super Premium Polishing Paste" or "Simichrome" and it'll look almost like new. A sharpening job, and you're good to go fishing!

FeaturedPermalink Reply by Charles Sample on May 8, 2013 at 2:07

My fixer upper is starting to look like it might turn out pretty good. Compare the before and after pictures of the tang stamp and scaler blade. All I had an hand was some Goo Gone and I used it to remove crud. A little WD40 on the hinges returned the snap to the blades. It still needs more work but it already looks a lot better than it did.

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