Old Timer 34OT Middleman Pocket Knife - Beater to Beauty

Let's do a cleanup and refresh of a tired looking USA made Schrade Old Timer 34OT Middleman. How good can it look after a good cleaning, lube, and polish?
#ThriftyKaniffy
Materials used:
Brawny Shop Towels amzn.com/dp/B004IUPAPI
1000 Grit Steel Wool amzn.com/dp/B074PVDSVQ
Cosmetic eye-shadow applicators amzn.com/dp/B09FY9KX1Y
Cotton swabs amzn.com/dp/B07CWK4BKV
Miscellaneous micro-fiber cloths amzn.com/dp/B08YLDR5YM
Glass Plus Cleaner - Initial scrub with toothbrush. amzn.com/dp/B00QVPFOXQ
Generic type WD-40 - Wet sand with steel wool and initial flush for rust removal
Ballistol - Channel flush, rust removal, and lubrication of springs. amzn.com/dp/B004ERKCIA
Singer Light Machine Oil - Final spring cleaning and lubing amzn.com/dp/B000YZ1Y06
Simple Green - Cleanup and degreasing of handles amzn.com/dp/B07S4D8QQ8

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

Since there is interest in the products I used I'll add them in the description above.

[@rickkerans8485]

Please do

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

@@rickkerans8485 The info up now. Thanks Rick.

[@propblast82nd]

Maybe one day you could do a video about how you acquired that vintage knife ?

[@thomasflynn5366]

That's the knife I carried as a daily in the 70s as a teenager. Back then we carried a knife all the time and nobody thought twice that we had one in school. Teachers would ask to borrow one from students without a care.

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

It was a different world. Thanks, Thomas.

[@jeremiahburns9102]

So cool to watch and I about fell asleep watching it watching people restore things is so peaceful to me

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

Great bedtime material for you then. Awesome. Thanks for the feedback Jeremiah.

[@timvest8141]

You just gotta love a U.S.A. made Old Timer.

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

Little treasures, and sometimes for a reasonable price.

[@davidkurle5418]

This was a joy to watch. You should be proud of the work you did on that one, buddy. It looks awesome, like it has done a ton of work and is still ready to do a ton more! And I like using ballistol as well, whenever I'm cleaning my guns or my knives it makes my whole basement smell like licorice. lol Cheers!

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

My son hates the smell, but that's okay I don't always like how he smells either. Haha. Thanks David.

[@MrMultitool]

You did a Great job of cleaning the knife. It's good to appreciate things and restore them when you can

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

Thanks for the kind words. I really take a lot of pleasure in cleaning up these older ones. It's meditative and relaxing. Take care, MrMultitool, and welcome to the channel.

[@knifedelights7473]

Thanks for showing us your methods. There is something very satisfying in bringing a knife back to life.

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

Thanks KD. I'm happy to hear you enjoyed the process.

[@MrMultitool]

I would be happy with it like it is. Sharpen it up and enjoy it.

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

Sure, no problem. It didn't require much work though really and now it won't continue to rust. Thanks, MrMT.

[@felinebline7154]

A real knifemans knife. Clean competent with lots of character. Bravo.

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

Thanks Rick, much appreciated.

[@steveg.1502]

Nice job TK. That gem lives to work another day. Old school, no power tools. I like it.👍👍👍

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

Hey thanks Su. Elbow grease can work wonders.

[@ukestudio3002]

Good video. Great clean up. Thanks for showing process. Have a large 3 blade stockman, old timer, USA NY. Bit pitted, well used like me at 73..

[@jimmywilson1388]

Man that turned out awesome…

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

Amazing what a little elbow grease can do. Thanks, Jimmy.

[@RJsKnives]

I love 34OT’s, that came out good! The old one I have has very little snap on the main blade. These knives a lot of times were used hard and put up wet. But it’s fun to go and fix them up better than the condition you found them in. Good job!

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

Yep been hard used and the spring isn't what it once was. That's okay, the blade is small enough it's not a real issue. Thanks for watching RJ.

[@pa1adin111]

Great job! I really like the way the covers came out.

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

Thanks so much Rick. It turned out as well as I could've hoped.

[@LegionTacticoolCutlery]

This is excellent information and a great demonstration! Fantastic video!

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

Much appreciated LTC. Hope it helps inspire a few knives getting cleaned up.

[@_z0rrk]

I love the 34OT. It was the first pocket knife I ever owned when I was a kid. A gift from my dad. I lost it on a trail at the deer lease riding with him on the three wheeler 😆 fell out of my pocket. I own around a dozen of them, even two NIB examples w/paperwork. I have my edc example in my pocket right now. Love the end result, you’ve got a nice carry piece now!

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

You have a wonderful history with the 34OT. Thanks for sharing, Zack. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@jelkel25]

It's amazing how much of a difference a cleaning and maintenance can make. It's turned out really well and I bet the carbon steel sharpens up very nicely. Took the modern Buzzsaw Trapper out today and put it through its paces in the woods, there's nothing wrong with the steel it's made of, it did very well. I've really taken to it.

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

The Buzzsaw is a neat one. The saw is great. Thanks JHAYKHAY.

[@Sanctified_EDC_Gear]

I know this is a year old Thrifty, but you did an amazing job. I’m sure your digits got a workout 🏋️ out for sure. The finished ✅ product / OldTown looks / looked amazing. So a big Belated Thank You and very well done 👍

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

Thanks so much Steve. I thought it turned out nice. Thanks for taking a look through the archives.

[@felinebline7154]

Great carry. I like it. Lots of character.

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

Thanks Rick. I'll make it at home in the pocket.

[@gerardvanengelen9001]

Satisfying work 😄. Also like to do this to old neglected knives.

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

It's a very therapeutic exercise, Gerard.

[@shannonelliott6116]

That old timer has been stored near knives that were off gassing, celluloid scales, hence the distinct rusty line on the main blade.

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

OK. It's safe now Shannon. I think it turned out nice. Take care.

[@diverdave2179]

I was expecting some Dremel work, but that is a huge improvement. Particularly how the Delrin look was restored. Thanks TK!

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

Yep, just did it by hand DD. Thanks, I agree.

[@chriscon8463]

Nice job on that! I found a 34OT in an antique store a few years ago for $7 & bought it. It’s well-used but still in decent shape; no rust, but it does have some pitting. I just oiled it & I carry it regularly; I should probably clean it with the appropriate cleaners sometime!

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

It's always good to hear that someone's returned an older piece to use. Good buy at $7. Thanks for sharing, Chris.

[@radar468]

I enjoy doing the same thing when I find an old one.👍🏼👍🏼

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

It was a right nice fixer upper. I enjoy bringing them back to life. Thanks for having a look, Radar. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@halcooper6059]

No need to take out the pitting, it's honest aging. I avoid going overboard on cleanup so I don't needlessly thin out the blades. I do eliminate any surface rust on the blades and inside the knife. I have a bunch of vintage folding knives that I have cleaned up and refined the process. Lots of steps but it does involve an old toothbrush, Dawn dish soap and a hair dryer (🤫). Several reasons for loss of blade snap including the blade pivot end wearing away where it contacts the spring. If this part doesn't push the spring out far enough you lack adequate energy to snap the blade back closed. Thanks for the video.

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

Thanks for the feedback Hal. Nice of you to provide those knives for RJ in the giveaway. Take care.

[@Zaymeel]

My father has had the same 34ot in his pocket since the 80s.

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

He sounds like a righteous dude. I love me some Old Timer. Thanks Zaymeel

[@sameeralazawee7524]

Very good >>>> Thank you .

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

Thank you too, Sameer. Love the Old Timers.

[@PlayaSinNombre]

Nice work. Thanks for sharing!

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

Thanks for watching. Welcome to the channel.

[@JollyPeanut]

Cleaned up real nice, I love Ballistol its my #1 spray oil for guns & knives & other stuff its magic in a can 😅 Brass bristle brush the size of your toothbrush is also a tool i love to use...Cool EDC now youve bonded with it...Nice one TK 👍

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

Yep, just need to get it nice and sharp and add it to the rotation. Thanks JP.

[@ukestudio3002]

Good video. Great clean up. Have the large, USA stockman. Bit pitted, well used like me at 73.

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

They are classic knives. It turned out pretty well. Thanks for having a watch, Uke.

[@Elphoenix1]

Turn out great that's about the level I go with my knifes too

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

Yea I didn't try to overdo it. Thanks Elphoenix.

[@tonyhedrick7673]

Beautiful old knife, I love that black patina!

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

Thanks Tony, had some good age to it.

[@tonyhedrick7673]

@@ThriftyKaniffy Yup, I live the patina that the old Schrades get. In fact the only thing I don't like about them is the way they pinned the blades. They get blade play over time and you can't fix it.

[@MNessmith]

Can't beat those old, U.S.-made Old Timers!

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

They are little treasures aren't they. Love 'em! Thanks Mark.

[@richardkut3976]

Nice, excellent knife.

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

Thank you, Richard.

[@WilliamsKnifeLife]

Nice job. The old ones take a bit to bring them back, but it's worth it.

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

Rewarding when you''re done though, isnt it?. Thanks William.

[@StephenWorth]

Great job!

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

Hey thanks Stephen. Glad you liked the cleanup.

[@KnifeDetector]

Nice job buddy! The main blade loses its snap after a while on those. I’ve had many with no snap at all, probably because of so much use.

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

Yep. That's my guess as well. Hard used. Thanks KD.

[@prh8068]

Well done!

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

Thanks PRH, welcome to the channel.

[@sameeralazawee7524]

Really nice >>>>> Thanks .

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

Most welcome, Sameer.

[@jeffreyb8717]

Mama always said to brush your knife… er teeth. Good job, Balistol rocks. 👍

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

Had some plaque removed didn't it. Thanks Jeffrey.

[@Lex5576]

I love the look, patina, and utility that you can only get out of a knife made of 1095 carbon steel. They ruined the Old Timer brand when they sent production to China where shit grade 7Cr17 goes into every knife. Those China pattern Old Timers don't have the feel, fit or finish of the New York made examples. I am glad to see the new owners of Schrade/Old Timer have come out with a new Generational Series that's Made in USA of carbon steel. I wish they'd bring the whole lineup back. I'd gladly pay more for quality.

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

The Generational series as it stands is not the answer. That series did not meet the level of the original USA made knives in many ways and I feel it misrepresented itself as counterparts to models they claimed to be. Take a look at the 94OTG and 94OT in hand, you'll see exactly what I mean. I appreciate the attempt, but they did not hit the mark for me with that series. Hopefully they'll do something similar again in the future with more attention to detail. True the Chinese made OTs are not as well refined as the USA made, but I've had no problem with the 7Cr17 blade material and I like a large number of their smaller patterns which I'd choose over like priced competitors due to the thickness of the blade stock and the good blade spacing within the channel. The move to stainless steel was thought of as an improvement. Look at Uncle Henry and their move to Schrade + blades in the 80's, but the knife nerds want carbon blades and I understand that nostalgia, but you have to understand one man's patina is another man's rust.

[@stuartgross5728]

Incredible job. How would an electric toothbrush work?

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

Might be easier on the arthritis Stuart.

[@jeroenvoss6231]

Nice job, cleaned up, but still showing it has lived and loved. Great improvement on the handlescales and the bolsters. Was that WD-40 you used or some other spray lubricant? spring action improved to where you like it to be. Thank you for showing TK, you might add the sharpening video i'm sure i'm not the only one who liked to see that as well. Have a nice sunday.

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

Check out the description for the materials used. Tough to show sharpening unless it's a larger knife. I'll have to whetstone these blades and I'm still "honing" my craft.

[@jeroenvoss6231]

@@ThriftyKaniffy Thank you, i'll will look better.

[@jeroenvoss6231]

@@ThriftyKaniffy I totally missed the complete discription of materials used. Sorry

[@rickkerans8485]

Compared to what it started it looks really good. Saw Balistal, Flitz, but am curious as to what you were using to start the clean up? I have some old ones found in my Dads stuff figured they were too far gone. They look alot like how that Old Timer started. I would like to clean them back to at least user status.

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

The first step I used Glass Plus surface cleaner just to rid the knife of any dirt and loose stuff. Sounds like a fun project Rick. Welcome to the channel.

[@rickkerans8485]

@@ThriftyKaniffy Thank you. They are really crunchy with rust on them. Thanks for the information

[@jamesluther3506]

I have a Schrade old timer 340T. I still have it in the original box. I have never used it. I was wondering what it would be worth?😊

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

Check eBay to get an idea.

[@johnclarke6647]

I would throw it in a solution of gas and motor oil. After a few days soaking, I would get some 0000 steel wool and clean off any rust and the blow it dry with compressed air. I might even use my fine wire brush to it,, much the same as I clean up old firearms, and then polish the bolsters, scales and blades on my polishing wheel. Can’t make it look like new, but pretty close. Leaving any rust on carbon steel will just leave a place for rust to begin, again.

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

The level of cleaning becomes a personal choice based on what you're trying to achieve. Thanks, John.

[@lewisgreenway5065]

Going to echo a few other comments about what you actually used during the cleaning, I have used WD 40 and then oiled with Victorinox oil.

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

Check the updated description I put it all in there. Thanks Lewis.

[@theprestriedge4657]

Cool....Harbor freight has a decent little grinder buffer for under forty dollars that would speed things up for you on these...Only a non knife person would ever let a knife get into such bad shape....

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

I don't mind doing it by hand, it's rather therapeutic. Rather neglected wasn't it?

[@theprestriedge4657]

@@ThriftyKaniffy Yes Sir

[@wagstaff6135]

Wow nice job! Was it just dishwashing liquid/water to start? And what was the first spray after that? (Before the ballistol, iirc)? Just curious. I have some vintage knives that need way less cleanup, but still need some rust removed in some more difficult spots. I think your video might inspire to me to finally do something about them!

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

Check the updated description I added all the materials. I enjoy bringing a neglected knife back to something to be admired. Thanks wagstaff.

[@wagstaff6135]

@@ThriftyKaniffy Nice! Thanks for the update!

[@herbertsmith6416]

Happy new year t.k.

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

Same to you, Herbert. Here's to a great '23. Cheers!

[@aaronflanagan8090]

use some TLC...or is it CLR ?

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

I haven't tried CLR on these before, but perhaps in the future. Thanks, Aaron.

[@1OFGODSOWN]

Never Dull is Always my last part of the clean up.👍👏🇺🇸

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

Old school stuff there. Thanks for the tip, One.

[@jerryweston2311]

Are coast pocket knives still made I have a daily in my pocket for twenty five years It was made in Portland Oregon, just lost one bolster

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

coastportland.com/

[@jerryweston2311]

Thank you

[@jerryweston2311]

@@ThriftyKaniffy I think I am going to start looking at old timer they are very similar

[@Man_Cave]

What steel is the Chinese copy made of?

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

7Cr17Mov if memory serves. Thanks, Man Cave.

[@Man_Cave]

Darn. Junk steel. Thanks for telling me.@@ThriftyKaniffy

[@grahamekellermeier8280]

Have the Chinese version seems to be good.

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

Thanks for the feedback Grahame. The Chinese versions are pretty well done.

[@stevemccallum6429]

No explanation just what the hell are using two thumbs down

[@ThriftyKaniffy]

👌All cleaning materials are listed in the description.