Knife restorations

The restoration of a knife, whatever it may be, is a difficult subject based on the divergence and differences of opinion on the subject.

The main difficulty in this exercise, apart from the technical aspects, is to evaluate just how far to go with the restoration based on the state of the knife and the available replacement parts deemed “acceptable” and, finally the know-how of the restorer.

In some cases it is preferable to keep the damaged knife “in it original state” and wait for the right moment or to find the right craftsman, rather than embarking on a potentially hazardous restoration and permanently destroying a rare knife or its value.

Furthermore, the use of certain materials, recent or inadequate spare parts can significantly alter the appearance of a knife, causing it to lose authenticity, making it even unrecognizable. In this case we talk about transformation and no longer restoration. 

 

On this delicate subject, we have decided to adopt the restoration practices in force in museums :

Allow the object to recover "at best" all its functions as well as its original appearance by replacing defective parts with original ones.

If this proves impossible, repair the parts or make new ones while preserving the integrity of the object, i.e. always allow the reversibility of the restoration process. Indeed, it is possible that in the future, techniques or opportunities of the time will allow better matching to its original state.

 

Examples of Restoration and Transformation

Transformation : A bail was added to this 1908 Model (*)

 

Restoration (“at best”) : For this 1908 Model the wood fibre sides of the handle were replaced by wood

 

Transformation or bad restoration? Rather hard to say… A rivet replaced the eyelet on this 1951 Model

 

Restoration (“at best”) : On this 1961 Model the original red anodised handle sides have been recoloured to create a better visual appearance

 

(*) Source : Ebay

 

An excellent address for your restorations or modifications

L’atelier du couteau Suisse offers many services, such as :

  • Polish a complete knife, even the original sides of the handle.
  • Changing the layout of the tools, adding and deleting functions.
  • Partial or complete “guilloche”, even the springs.
  • Changing a broken blade, handle sides or any part of the knife.
  • Restore a “collector” model from all periods.

 

L'Atelier du Couteau Suisse

L'Atelier du Couteau Suisse

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