Posted 4 years ago
charm76
(1 item)
I am new at this and was digging in our yard when we found this knife. It all looked rusty until we started to clean the handle to discover a stunning silver colour. It is almost 1kg and would love to know if anyone would know what material and kind it is and maybe age?
Hello, I am sure the blade is steel, but will a magnet stick to the handle?
Magnet does not stick to the handle
I am not a knife or metal expert. I am guessing with all of the scratches on the handle that it is soft, possibly lead. I have a few tools here that were made by former owner, using lead for the handles. I'm hoping someone that knows more than I do will chime in soon!! Nice find, BTW!!
Its handle might be aluminum too...that'd be far more durable than lead, but would still leave it prone to the random scratches/wear marks, perhaps even remains of an original 'textured' pattern on the handle sides...?? Just guessing of course... :-)
I 'm guessing too!! I was taking into account the weight posted!!
The only thing I know for sure lptools (and charm76) is that I do have a few old cast aluminum (I think?) handled knives (maybe even a big fork or two?) buried in my kitchen drawers somewhere, though neither is shaped like this (IIRC) and both came from being 'dug up' in thrift stores instead of somebody's yard...?? Its weight remains indeed a slightly puzzling factor too...?
Welcome to CW charm76! :^D You're probably right Iptools, about it being a lead handle, but it looks real shinny, and not completely cleaned, it might be something else! Can you put a mark, or cut in the handle easily charm? That would would show if it was lead! Another thing, did you scrub the handle or just wash it off with water, because lead would still be dull, not shinny, if you just washed it off. If you are thinking that it might be silver, a jewelry store, or pawn shop, can test it, and normally not charge you! :^D
Good Luck, and thanks for showing! :^)
Sure looks aluminium to me. That still leaves the weight problem. Have you weighed it ?
The knife is around 850 grams. And most certainly is heavier at the handle end as the blade has had layers rusted off. Also just cleaned it with water and dishwashing detergent.
Hello, Blunderbuss2. I had also thought of aluminum, , but that 2 pounds of weight looks like most of it is in the handle. We will wait and see!! Bill , I agree, any blunt tool ( such as back edge of a butter knife) would leave a mark if it is lead!!