Thread: Flea market buy

This morning I spent enjoying the fine weather outside, browsing a flea market.
I bought stuff at several places, only spending cents and an occasional dollar or 2.

I don't yet know what I am going to do with the cleaver. I may restore it, or cut it up and do something with the steel.
The triangular file is for forging practice. It should make a fine knife.
The chisels look old and are well made. I'll need to restore the edges, but I think they'll do just fine.
The hammer shafts I picked up because I like the shape, and I have a antique smiths hammer that needs a new one. The old handle was cracked, and had the same shape.
The rectangular files are all nicholsons.
The first 3 look like they had rust, and they don't feel sharp.
The 4th feels smooth, but looks OK.
The 5th is brand new, and feels sharp. It bites my skin. It is also the biggest file I've ever seen. I think that one is a keeper as an actual file.

All of those nicholsons are 1/4 thick, which means they are ideal for forging knives or razors. I explained to my wife that old files ar emuch cheaper than new stock, and easier to come by

I collect old chisels,any makers mark,some are very rare.

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

I collect old chisels,any makers mark,some are very rare.

I'll see if I can read the makers marks tomorrow.

EDIT: Btw, the right most nicholson file which is still new, do I have to cover it in oil if I want it to stay sharp and free from oxidation?

Originally Posted by Bruno

I'll see if I can read the makers marks tomorrow.

EDIT: Btw, the right most nicholson file which is still new, do I have to cover it in oil if I want it to stay sharp and free from oxidation?

I would wrap it with an oiled cloth rather than covering it with oil. Mainly something to keep the air off of it and not fill up the teeth with oil which can make the file cuttings stick to file and make the work you do with it messier than what a dry file will do for you.

It's also a good idea to keep the files separate from each other as they will bang into each other and dull the teeth.

Nice finds. I've been keeping my eye out for a cleaver to restore but no dice. I did find a Collins cane knife / machete the other day that I almost picked up.

Originally Posted by Bruno

I'll see if I can read the makers marks tomorrow.

EDIT: Btw, the right most nicholson file which is still new, do I have to cover it in oil if I want it to stay sharp and free from oxidation?

spray it with WD 40,when you need to use it wash it off with Simple green.
As side note, do you know how to sharpen an old dull file?
Dip it in nitric acid for about a minute,than rinse in running water.

I've never oiled a file and I have quite a few. I hit them with a file card when they need it and keep them in a dry environment. So far so good.

If the Nicholson is made in the USA , it's good to go, nice file. I brush my files off with a file card like Jimmy said, but I spray with WD-40 and wrap them in an old rag.

Finding good wooden handles on the files is a plus, I would clean the handles up and preserve them.

Thanks for sharing.

This looks like the right bunch of guys asked this question, are hammer handles hard to get? I can't seem to find any around here for small hammer head that I have and most of these guys all look at me like I'm nuts when I asked one. It's a small, very handy ball peen hammer and I would really like it back in action. Any suggestions?

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

spray it with WD 40,when you need to use it wash it off with Simple green.
As side note, do you know how to sharpen an old dull file?
Dip it in nitric acid for about a minute,than rinse in running water.

Would hydrochloric acid work too, or is that too weak?