Thanks for all the support everyone. Johnny, I love your philosophy, Robert, Onions for patina, cool. Tom, WD and fine steel wool, great tip. Craig,  I think I'm going to let it go, and use mineral oil.

Dana,

Craig's idea of the mineral oil is one that I would adopt. You can still use the steel wool if you like but I'd wager that the mineral oil will have a better after taste than WD40!

I use simichrome.  Check this link out:  http://simichrome.premiumstore.com/?cid=44378&chid=1600

Clint, my Grandfather taught me to clean my knives with Simichrome, I have forgotten about it completely though, until now of course. Thanks for the reminder, it brings back a good memory. 

Clint, Simichrome is great. I've used it for years on the aluminum engine covers on my Triumph. It will take the paint off though. I imagine it would take the etching off as well.

We use it alot also.  Great product

Simichrome, is the polish I use, it's great stuff. If your carbon steel knife patina is not going like you want, try some simichrome a couple of times to get it like you want. Try not remove all the patina, just enough to remove your problem, then start working on your patina again.

Yes Simichrome is good stuff.  It is a mild jewelers rouge and with proper enthusiasm, it will make your knife like a mirror...so take it easy.  LOL!

Robert, I'm a bit confused by this concept of a patina.  Can you elaborate? I usually wipe or wash my blades after use and then apply mineral oil.

Carbon steel will form a patina with use and age. You can prevent the patina by polishing after a few uses. Most of my carbon steel knives have formed a patina but I have prevented it on a few. A patina is a good thing not bad and must not be confused with rust. Join the Carbon Steel Group there may be things you can learn there.

On my way to see Bob Andrews in Monroeville Pa today.

Johnny,

Tell us about the show and tell Bob hello 

Hey guys, I had a great time meeting Bob Andrews today. He was great to talk with and his selection was awesome. I wasn't sure what all he would have at the show, but he really went all out in showing off his merchandise.

I was able to see and enjoy a few pattens that I hadn't yet had the chance to see. There are a few new knives added to my wish list and a few moved up higher on the priority list. I was able to get a pattern that I hadn't yet seen in hand.

A beautiful #85, it's dressed in placid buffalo scales. I will post a pic in the newest additions thread. Also, my brother wanted me to get something special, so he gave me an early B-day present, pics will be in newest addition too.

Thanks Robert, I will join the Carbon steel group

Hi all, I am looking for a Tidioute Cranberry bone single blade Whaler. Anyone have one to sell?

Hey there Folks,

Not sure why but wanted to do some work to a Whaler but happy with the result and wanted to share:

Mammoth%20Tooth%20Bark1.JPG

Mammoth%20Tooth%20Bark2.JPG

Mammoth%20Tooth%20Bark2.JPG

Where have I seen that before?

That knife is truly fantastic and I love the work that was put into it. Awesome job done and beautiful knife to have.

Alan....

The Whaler looks fantastic!

Alan,

That is one awesome Whaler!!!

Hi Alan. I love the Whaler. I'd like to see more of them. I prefer the single blade.  Are there any special short runs out there?

Alan. what work did you do on that special Whaler?

Thanks Fellas,  Kudos to Muskrat Man....

http://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/knife_forum/viewtopic.php?f=56&...

Alan,

That is FANTASTIC and I am a muskrat man fan also.  He has done a couple for us and his work is just beautiful.  He not only does a wonderful job on rehandles but he has been creating some of his own

http://muskratmancustomknives.com/

We have all seen this new Hippo Ivory grading system?

The Muskrat Man is replacing one scale on the handle of an original Remigton Bullet knife for me right now. I'm in the waiting period.lol

Thanks for the info Jan, I just dream about Ivory right now, but I'll be needing info like this one day. 

Hey Johnny, maybe them squirrels have some Ivory teeth, we might have to check better....lol

squirrel ivory, I like that Robert 

Hey a poor man has to come up with something...lol

Hey, thats a good idea Robert, I only use headshots though, so that could get tough.

Wonder how many squirrel it would take to make a decent sized pocket knife. 

We would have to check with GEC to find that one out. You know they have a Acorn sheild that must mean something.

Hmmm, maybe you really are on to something. We'll have to get Jan in charge of talking to them she has connections. 

Maybe they already know?

I want to be the first one to order a GEC with squirrel tooth ivory. Serial number two [number one is kept at the factory], I would be glad to go after them critters for the teeth to make knife handles. What a job, I'm retired but I am willing to go back to work for this special cause.

Robert, I can't wait to see your knife idea come to fruition! May have to do a mosaic of squirrel teeth/ivory to pull off a full handle set. That's a lot of squirrels! Hats off to you for taking one for the team with your willingness to come out of retirement for this project. I am waiting for the musk ox handles myself! I recently saw a Randall Made Knife with a Narwhal horn handle and that was pretty unique. Don't know where folks collect this stuff?

Tom, musk ox is really great stuff. Treeman knives makes more knives with it than any other knife makers I have seen. I heard that Randall knives only makes two a year with it. Oh, you are right it might take quite a few squirrel teeth to make one knife.lol

Well Miss Jan, whats the word from up north? Do we need some squirrel teeth?..lol

LOL, get some prime teeth.  We can always have it set in an acrylic to make the handles.  After that I want one in Beaverteeth please LOL

Well Pro-Tech makes knives with Mastodon teeth so why not squirrel teeth.  It would only take about 40 or so squirrels.  LOL!

This is mammoth teeth chips in resin

l

An example of mammoth teeth chip resin. Cost  $2,400 USD

Egads Woman!! You have solved out Squirrel teeth dilemma.  We will compile the little buggers teeth and....dare I say it....yes I will....a Squirrel Teeth Chip Resin.  Good work Jan.  LOL! I never thought to ask about mammoth teeth scales.  Thanks for the 411!

We may have to work around the price point, $2400USD, may be a little high for a squirrel tooth handle. I think this might be because of the "World Wide" demand for "Squirrel Teeth". I think GEC can find a way to help us out on this.....lol

Robert...

No worries.  Here is our first contributing victim...I mean volunteer.

Dont worry guys we know someone that may be able to get us a better price if we are providing the teeth.  But can we possibly supply the world wide demand.  How many "volunteers" are out there.

I volunteer, I will take to the woods and hunt for squirrels, I know it will be a rough job but I am willing to do it for the good of the cutlery industry. I might need help, maybe Johnny can help and a few other willing adventurers.....lol

GREAT SCOTT!  We will have to get an export license.

I'm in, the 22 is loaded and ready to go.

You know it's funny they have "Squirrels" in their trade mark but no handle sheilds. They have a beaver, why not a squirrel?

Dont mess with the beaver now (LOL)