Second Model Luftwaffe Dagger Restore

[cevensky]

Hello Everyone,
I would like to post my first project here: the restoration of a P.D. Lüneschloss Second Luft. It doesn't belong to me, I did this as a favor to the veteran who captured it for sitting down and telling me stories.
The dagger to start with was in pretty awful condition. This was because it had been taken on a fishing trip by the vet's son for... well, cleaning fish.
Along the way it got pretty rusted, bent, and there was no trace of a grip.
Well the grip I got was pretty beat up and I wish I had found a better one, but it looks decent considering the dagger's former condition and lack of a grip at all.
I'll let the pictures talk and explain the process I used afterwards.

[cevensky]

Before and after of the maker's mark:



After shots of the blade:

[cevensky]

Homemade leather washer:

[cevensky]

So, first, I disassembled everything which was surprisingly easy!
Next, I got a propane torch (a must have for pretty much anyone) and i heated the tang for about a minute and a half, then I stuck it between two metal rails and bent it back into shape.
Next, I got some fine sandpaper (which I didn't mind using seeing as the blade was already so bad), some industrial cleaner, and went to work lightly. It took a while, but it payed off. Then I got an extra fine sandpaper sponge sort of thing and some WD-40 and carefully went across and down the blade until started to shine and look really I good.
I used a toothbrush and the industrial strength cleaner to lightly clean the raised surfaces of the ferrule, pommel and cross guard.
Then I wrapped the grip with the grip wire, and used a circular file to fit the inside of the grip with the tang.
At this point I realized that even though there was no scabbard, I would need a leather washer so everything fit tightly. So.... I found an old belt that had a rough side and cut out a "washer." Definitely worth it.
Then I put it all together and the next step is to return it to him!
I hope he likes it and I hope you enjoyed the transformation!

[kiwitedferny]

That's a Hell of a job! No way I thought you'd be able to resurrect that blade. A fishing trip......good God...like guys using DD steel helmets to bounce slugs off....how many treasures lost over the years that way? Anyway, great job!

[cevensky]

Second Model Luftwaffe Dagger Restore

I didn't think I would either!
Can't wait to see the look on his face!
Thanks for the kind words!

[Steinar]

Very good job, well done

[Larry Dickson]

Great work for a worthy cause.

[petopoint]

Splendid

Congratulations on your efforts and outcome in breathing new life into this Wounded Warrior. Simply Stated, Superb.

[cevensky]

Second Model Luftwaffe Dagger Restore

Thank you all for the compliments. The veteran and his wife were both thrilled and couldn't believe it was the same "thing" I had taken with me!
She said she was going to get a frame to put it on the wall as soon as possible. It made it all the more rewarding and worth the time!

[Larry Dickson]

Looking at the pictures again, I think that grip is perfect for this build.
A really nice grip would have looked out of place.

Again, congratulations on a job well done.

[Raymond55]

Great Job!

What a fine job you did!! I did some minor restoration on my 1st ed LW Dagger but nothing as advanced as your restoration. Again, great, great job!

Matt
Ranger Forward

[cevensky]

Thanks Larry and Matt.
Haha maybe I should do it for other people to! It really was enjoyable. I'd probably do it for free! Great way to get your hands on history.

[BROBS]

very good job!!!

in the future if you want to use something less harsh on the blade 0000 steel wool is very fine and when used with a product like blue wonder or even gun oil it will remove the rust but leave the finish/patina intact.

regardless it looks great, just some info from experience.

[cevensky]

I'll look into the steel wool for sure if I ever get the opportunity to do this again.
Next time I'm going to see if I can use my chemistry knowledge. I think I once read something about using electricity and water to remove rust. Sounds dangerous but may be worth a try. Thanks brobs!