Mystery old sharpening steel?

[arbee2]

Hi - I am new to Blade Forums. I am trying to identify an old sharpening steel. The only marking on it is on the steel right next to the wood handle. It says "Lee's 1". Anyone know how I might find out about the manufacturer and how old this is?

Also - the steel has a few marks of surface rust. What's the best way to deal with that. The steel overall looks like it has enough pattern left to use the thing. Any problem using it with modern knives?

 

[bob bowie]

Hi,

Try reposting this in Bernard Levine's forum.
Off the top of my head I can think of Samual Lee, and Lee's, they were trade names of Landers, Frary, & Clark. Lee's was used on steels and Samual Lee on cleavers. Both I believe date to the early 1900's.

If the steel has deep scratches, do not use it. It could nick a good knife.

HTH.

 

[arbee2]

Thanks. Where is Bernard Levine's Forum? I don't believe the steel has any nicks on it. I'll check carefully. My rough guess was that this steel dates back sometime in the first quarter of the 20th century, but it was only a guess.