Hey folks, I'm looking for some recommendations on a trusted and reputable bladesmith who can restore both the blade and sheath on my grandfather's Edge-brand Bowie knife. I would be looking to ship it and have it back in time for my late May trip. Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks!

Contact Karl Andersen , he’s a member on these boards. He’s one one of the best blade smiths around. If he can’t do it, I’m sure he will recommend somebody that can. I know he’s always pretty busy.

Clean it, heck it's just starting to patina!
I'd just wipe it down well with a bit of orange cleaning wipes put an edge on it, oil it a bit as a preservative. Maybe saddle soap the sheath, pin down the retaining strap to let it dry as straight as you can.

butthead

I know your sheath has sentimental value, but I would have another one made, keep the old one. It is ripped, worn and not very safe as a sheath. You could have any hunting theme embossed on the leather. Be sure not to have any of those rivets in your new sheath, only stitching.

As far as the knife, you need the blade worked on. There are many good videos on you tube that show you how to remove the rust and corrosion. You can buy metal sandpaper down to 2000 grit. Then a buffing wheel to make it look new again. I would remove the three brass rivets and remove the two handles and pommel. Then go to work on sharpening the blade. I use a Ken Onion work sharp for my hunting knives. You would need to buy three new brass rivets to assemble the handle. Talk to Karl Andersen here.

If it were mine; I'd have some "skilled in leather work" person put a new and wider retaining strap on the sheath. While they were at it, I'd have them add a brass or coin silver tip on the sheath to protect the end of the sheath, and the knife point. Cleaning up the sheath yourself; that's easy.

For any work on the knife itself; I'd follow a previous poster's suggestion to ask for assistance from the knife & sheath maker that is a member on this board.
He is very knowledgeable, and does pro quality work, in my opinion.

I agree that there are some great, knife blade cleanup/sharpen videos on utube.

Photo is restored WWI era Bolo.
My next project "may be" the little/as found Norlund hatchet. Found in a thrift store for 5 bucks. But may leave it as is?

BOB

I do appreciate the mentions here - I mean that.
Someone also mentioned that I was busy.
I told someone just yesterday that if my 88 year old Mother ordered a knife today she wouldn't get it before July. And that would only be if I put her ahead of two years of knife orders.
I simply do not have time to take on "extra" work.
That said, this looks like a perfect opportunity to learn some new crafting abilities.
It would not be difficult to make a better sheath. That one is is pretty much beyond repair. There are a ton of YT videos that would be extremely helpful. You can get leather by the foot on Ebay and rivets and such at "crafty" stores.
I see nothing wrong with that knife.
Maybe get some 000 or 0000 steel wool and a little light oil and give it a good scrubbing. That will also help to liven up the handle material.
Enjoy the rehab.
Learn something.