Those are precious! I would continue to use it, and keep a good edge on it

Nice nice!

F-Manny

Graps, good on you for keeping it original. Remember, the patina on the blade and handle came from your dad and it is only original once. His DNA is in the handle too.

My dads knife is always in my pack. Its a WWII military issued Kabar my dad carried when he was wounded on Iwo Jima. Dad introduced me to hunting when I was about 10 years old. We didn't hunt together a lot, for a number of reasons, but I'll always remember those early years when he would take me to the club for a shotgun deer hunt with dogs. Those were the days. As for the knife, it was in poor shape when I retrieved it after dad passed. A TG member cleaned it up for me and made me a new sheath to replace the well worn original. Its now one of my prized possessions. I always think of dad when I'm in the woods. Great memories for sure.  

Oh God, don't touch it and ruin that character patina!  Looks like it might be an old Western cutlery.  Case recently re-introduced a chrome vanadium (don't know why they can't just say carbon steel) version of their folding hunter.  My dad passed away early and it was my uncle that I owe my love of the outdoors to.  He carried one and I immediately sold every super steel safe queen I own and got one.  The greatest generation knew, if you've got enough sense to keep your gear dry and oiled carbon steel is just fine!

My dads been gone for 25 years now, I miss him and think of him often. I always carry his hunting knife with me while out deer hunting, even gutted a few with it..kinda makes me feel he's with me

Love this thread guys.  Thank you.   BUT!!!   Where are the pictures of these knives for us to see.    

Pretty neat, and i agree, its perfect the way it is.

Yes, agreed....absolutely leave it as-is! A shiny new looking knife doesn't cut any better and the memories are worth far more than the knife.

Mine: given to me by my late dad for Christmas around 1970

Its not a knife but my grandpa's hunting compass. He carried into the woods of southern Illinois as long as I can remember. When he passed away at the age of 98 it was handed down to me. Now when I carry it he is always there with me. I can still here him sometimes around the campfire.

Not my dad's nor my grandfather's but mine I bought in 1956 at the tender age of 12 with my own money.

 

I have my Dad's everyday carry pocketknife in my pocket right now. He died in 1987. Each time I get it out, I remember where it came from.

my dad has that same knife and every deer we dress,skin and butcher, we make more memories with it.

I'm carrying a Buck stockman that I gave to my Dad in 1968. Ma gave it back to me when he died 35 years ago so he is always with me.

I carry my grandfather's knife he bought in Germany in the late '40's and my daughter has my fathers' Swedish made knife from the 60's. Keep it original and make your own memories with the keepsake.