Removing Shields
Removing Shields
I once saw a pic of a Boker 493 customized with jigged bone scales and a federal shield and thought it was a good looking knife. I've got an old broken Boker USA that I can take the fed shield from and before I get into the project I wanted to ask the pros if there is anything I should know before I screw something up.
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Re: Removing Shields
If the shields are the same size it would be a pretty easy job.
I usually have an old knife blade lying around or a real fine tipped punch that I can pry the shield out of the old handle with. If the bone is already broken, it’s no big deal to break a little bit more to get the shield out. If you trying to save the bone handle of the donor knife you have to be a little more careful. Usually a very fine tip can be worked under the edge of the shield or even stuck into the edge of the shield to pry it up.
One thing that will help get the old shield out is to put the donor knife in the deep freeze overnight. When you are ready to pry the shield out, take it out of the deep freeze and pry the shield out while it is still frozen. Most adhesives are subject to severe weakening or failure from freezing temperatures. A light tap on a punch or knife blade that you are using to pry the shield will probably be all it will take to get the old shield out as long as the knife is frozen.
I usually have an old knife blade lying around or a real fine tipped punch that I can pry the shield out of the old handle with. If the bone is already broken, it’s no big deal to break a little bit more to get the shield out. If you trying to save the bone handle of the donor knife you have to be a little more careful. Usually a very fine tip can be worked under the edge of the shield or even stuck into the edge of the shield to pry it up.
One thing that will help get the old shield out is to put the donor knife in the deep freeze overnight. When you are ready to pry the shield out, take it out of the deep freeze and pry the shield out while it is still frozen. Most adhesives are subject to severe weakening or failure from freezing temperatures. A light tap on a punch or knife blade that you are using to pry the shield will probably be all it will take to get the old shield out as long as the knife is frozen.
Dale
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Re: Removing Shields
Good suggestion. Adhesives can be downright tricky to work with. I'll use your suggestion and hopefully this weekend I can get it done. Thanks!
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Re: Removing Shields
if the shield is glued in, warming it up with a soldering iron will help release the glue then pry it out with a fine tipped scratch awl or even an exacto knife like dale mentioned.
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Re: Removing Shields
Heat or cold either one will cause most adhesives to fail.
My first choice is cold because it doesn’t melt anything if I slip with the soldering iron in touch a Delrin handle.
My first choice is cold because it doesn’t melt anything if I slip with the soldering iron in touch a Delrin handle.
Dale
AAPK Administrator
Please visit my AAPK store: www.allaboutpocketknives.com/orvet
Job 13:15
"Buy more ammo!" - Johnnie Fain
“Evil is Powerless If The Good are Unafraid.” – Ronald Reagan
AAPK Administrator
Please visit my AAPK store: www.allaboutpocketknives.com/orvet
Job 13:15
"Buy more ammo!" - Johnnie Fain
“Evil is Powerless If The Good are Unafraid.” – Ronald Reagan
Re: Removing Shields
The idea of freezing the knife to make the adhesive less effective is new to me but it makes sense. Thanks, Dale.
Mel
Re: Removing Shields
I've used heat to remove pick guards from guitars and cold to remove wax from candlesticks. I like the cold idea for this project as I'd like to save the scales if possible and I'm not trusting my skill level with heat just yet.
"Wise man say, forgiveness is divine, but never pay full price for late pizza."
Re: Removing Shields
It just went into the freezer for prep.
"Wise man say, forgiveness is divine, but never pay full price for late pizza."
Re: Removing Shields
The shield came off with very little effort, however, unbeknownst to me, it was pinned and now I have a hole. Any tips on plugging it?
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- muskrat man
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Re: Removing Shields
either pin it to the new knife or peen a pin out in it
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Re: Removing Shields
I've read about pinning material on here. Is it something special I'll have to order or is it something I can get at Home Depot? If I have to order it, where can I find it?muskrat man wrote:either pin it to the new knife or peen a pin out in it
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Re: Removing Shields
pm me your address I'll send a short length of the nickel you'll need. I doubt you'll find it locally and to order it for the quantity you'll need will not be cost effective.
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