TLC advice needed

First off, it's not really a kitchen knife, but I didn't really know where to post this. So I rescued this little gem from my mothers garage. It's been used as a garden knife for the last 40 or 50 years. It's an antique Remington RH 320 with a stag bone handle. I don't want to start working on it without consulting with you experienced gentlemen first. My main question is what is the best thing for cleaning/treating the bone handle? Should I smooth out the pommel and polish it, or would it be better to leave it in it's 'natural' used condition. Lastly, should I take steel wool and oil to the blade and shine it up? I appreciate any input you may have.

 

Thats a knife! congratulations on a great find.

 

I see nothin.

 

I wouldn't do a thing to that knife other than sharpen it if needed. Your mom has/had great tastes. Use it in your garden for wacking an eggplant or mellon off the vine, or cutting a bit of string and carry on her tradition.

 

Thanks gents. I'll give my best shot at sharpening, and use it from there.

 

I can't speak to the handle but would definitely clean up the blade. The only thing corrosion will get you is more corrosion.

A couple day soak (blade only) in "Break Free" will prob make an easy job of clean up. No need to go for a mirror finish, get the corrosion off w steel wool or wet/dry then play it by ear.