Old Folder Rebuild Questions

[Hunter 709]

Hi All,
I rescued an old no name stockman folder from a flea market display case last weekend.  It's in ok shape with lots of snap left in the blades, it's made in the USA with high carbon blades however it has plastic scales which I am thinking of trying to replace with wood. I thought this would be a cheap knife to learn on. I have never done anything like this so I am wondering what I am up against. Maybe I need a good knife repair book to to get started, please recommend one. Here is a list of questions that I have.
1. Do I need to remove all the pins in the knife to get the old scales off? How is this done? What tools do I need?
2. Do you reuse the old pins when you put the knife back together?
3. What does "Stabalizing" wood for knives mean?
4. Would you glue as well as pin the new wood scales? What kind of glue?

That's probably enough questions for now, any help is appreciated.
Thanks,

[skullworks]

1. Do I need to remove all the pins in the knife to get the old scales off? How is this done? What tools do I need?
A: I do when I do them. I use a drill to carefully drill them out.
2. Do you reuse the old pins when you put the knife back together?
A: I do not...new pins.
3. What does "Stabalizing" wood for knives mean?
A: The wood is impregnated with acrylic resin to make it virtually moisture proof and keeps it from swelling or shrinking.
4. Would you glue as well as pin the new wood scales? What kind of glue?
I use epoxy as well as the pins. I use West Systems Marine epoxy. Devon 2 Ton is good also.

Here are a couple that I have done. The Buck was the most difficult.

 
 
 
 

[Hunter 709]

Thanks for your post Clarence. Great pictures, I always enjoys looking at your work.  That Buck 110 is incredible.
I have a few more questions (hopefully they arn't dumb ones, a friend once told me that there are no dumb questions, just dumb people LOL).

1. Do you use a hand drill or a drill press?
2. Were do you buy your replacement pins?
3. What holds the new pins in place?
4. What product is used to stabalize wood? Can it be bought at Home Depot?

Thanks

[amar911]

Clarence,

Those knives are all really good looking, but the Buck is drop dead gorgeous. I have owned a Buck 110 for the last 40 years, but I never could have imagined one could look that good! Also, mine doesn't have a Damascus blade. That is a showpiece restoration.

Allan

[skullworks]

Thanks for the compliments. The buck was bit harder with the blade replacement. There is a build along about the buck on here somewhere.

1. Do you use a hand drill or a drill press?
A: I have both but generally use a hand held to drill out the pins. If you don't care about the scale you could just break or pry them off. This will leave the pins if you are careful. You could even shorten them up for hidden pins.
2. Were do you buy your replacement pins?
A: I got my small pins from Jantz Supply but you might be able to find something usable at a hardware store.
3. What holds the new pins in place?
A: I rough up the outside of the pins with sandpaper and allow the epoxy to hold them. Some people peen the pins but you have to be careful and not crack the scales. On the 110 the bolster pins were peened but they are sanded flat during the finishing.
4. What product is used to stabalize wood? Can it be bought at Home Depot?
A: There is a product made by Minwax called Wood Hardener that might work pretty good for thin scales on a folder. It is NOT the same as what they use when professionally stabilizing scales. I have now idea where you can get the acrylic resin.

[Nala]

Whenever I see pics posted by Skull, I ALWAYS check them out.  It never ceases to amaze me with the stuff he comes up with.

ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL KNIVES!!!

Nalajr


P.S.  There are MANY makers on here that I never miss either.  This is one talented bunch of knifemakers here for sure.

[Hunter 709]

Thanks again Clarence for the great tips, I think I am ready to give it a try. If I make a mess of it I'm only into the knife for 8 bucks. I'll post a picture or two if it looks like anything when I'm done.

[skullworks]

This is a case rehandle for a Tradganger.

 

[Hunter 709]

Another Beauty, I love knives with high carbon blades that get all stained with age.  It tells me that the knife is a tool that is well loved and used.  Don't get me wrong I love the pretty show pieces but there is just something about a stained blade that does it for me.