Police 2 SE Aluminum handles

[rubes160]

Wondering if this older model I have is worth hanging onto? I do have it posted on eBay but I am double thinking it. How rare is this one? Markings of #0091 stamped in the blade as well, not sure what that indicates though. Thoughts?

[yablanowitz]

The uncoated aluminum models are fairly rare. Spydiewiki lists them as starting in 1989, and since I have one with a G2 steel mark, they were made for at least 3 years, but I have no information on production numbers. I suspect they proved unpopular due to how easily the aluminum scratched and a tendency to loosen up in use (hence the domed pins and Tufram coating on later aluminum models). The number may indicate early production (in the first 100 produced), but that is speculation on my part.

[rubes160]

Thanks for the input yablanowitz. I may end up keeping this one around. I tend to like using my knives more than just collecting them, but I appreciate the feedback. If anything, it is pretty lightweight in the basketball shorts when I'm carrying it around the house / yard / etc.

[RustyIron]

The knife may have some scratches, but it appears to be in good enough condition. You won't get top-dollar for it, but it would be a good user-knife if you choose to keep it. If you were feeling OCD about it, the scales could easily be given a brushed or polished finish.

[rubes160]

RustyIron, I may do that. What would you recommend for a polish wheel and compound?

[RustyIron]

RustyIron, I may do that. What would you recommend for a polish wheel and compound?

First I'd try to do it by hand, and I'd start with a brushed finish. A brushed finish will hide blemishes better, and you'll surely be getting more blemishes on the aluminum if you carry the knife. Blemishes really stick out on a polished finish.

I'd shy away from the buffing wheel. It's easy to get carried away, rounding off the corners and making the flat surfaces wavy.

Get yourself a variety of emery paper. I think Harbor Freight has some that's reasonably priced and adequate for what we're doing.

The key part of creating a brushed surface is keeping the scratch lines parallel. Lay a sheet of emery cloth, maybe 400 grit, on a flat surface. Apply your water if you're using it. Then lay your scale at one end of the paper. With your fingers, push the scale longitudinally along the paper. Stop when you reach the end of the paper. Don't go crooked, don't make curves, just go perfectly straight. Keep doing this, and keep going perfectly longitudinal with every stroke. You'll see the pattern develop, and it will look cool. If you want a coarser or finer finish, you have a variety pack of emery paper to choose from. If you're having a hard time getting out the scratches, start with something coarser, and work your way up to finer grit. It's just like sharpening an edge in that respect.

Before you start on the flat part of the scales, you'll want to do the edges. Use a piece of emery cloth wrapped around your finger, and follow the edges of the scales. Just be really careful not to round off the corners. The same rules apply for finer or coarser grits. You can do it, it's not rocket science.

If you'd rather do a polished finish, start off the same was if you're doing a brushed finish. Maintaining parallelism isn't important, though. Once you get all the scratches and blemishes out, go to a finer grit. It won't take long. Aluminum is easy to work with. Your variety pack of emery paper might go down to 2000 or 3000 grit. When you get that fine, the scales will look great, but not really "polished." Grab some automotive polish--polish, not wax. Apply with a clean rag, not a rag that might have bits of dirt or abrasives in it. When finished, wipe it off with a clean rag and look at the flat part of the scales. If you see a guy smiling back at you, then you're finished.

[rubes160]

Thanks for all that, RustyIron. I honestly would have had no idea how to get started. If I end up keeping the knife, I think I will give it a go.

[RustyIron]

Try the flat sides first. You'll be surprised at how easy you can get good results.

[cabfrank]