Stipling / Dimpling bolsters

p'chop · Post by **p'chop** » Sun Nov 12, 2006 1:55 am

Greetings, great forum you folks have. I was hoping someone would be willing to share the technique for stipling or dimpling the bolsters on a folder. I've seen the great work performed on stock/factory folders here and would like to give it a go on my Buck Trapper (knife is assembled). Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks.

**EDIT** Sorry just noticed I may have chosen the wrong area for this.

e3ck · Post by **e3ck** » Sun Nov 12, 2006 3:06 am

Welcome to the forums p'chop

I'm not exactly sure of the look you are going for but if you could point me to a picture I may be of some help

p'chop · Post by **p'chop** » Sun Nov 12, 2006 3:25 am

Thanks for the responses. A good example of what I'd like to achieve is on the first Factory Custom Knives page. "Cavemans" Custom Case thread, it would be the first Case shown. Thanks again.

e3ck · Post by **e3ck** » Sun Nov 12, 2006 2:54 pm

I've seen makers that get this effect by using a little hammer that is ground to a dull smooth point. For places they can't use the hammer they us a screwdriver or a punch modified to produce such effect. I've only seen this done on unassembled knives. I would't recomend it on an assembled product as it could result in damaging the fit and function of the knife

p'chop · Post by **p'chop** » Sun Nov 12, 2006 9:13 pm

e3ck, thanks for the assistance. I think I'll hold off on attempting that mod. I like the effect but it's not worth taking the chance on ruining my knife. Thanks again.

Hukk · Post by **Hukk** » Sun Nov 12, 2006 11:16 pm

You know, that is what Rough Riders are good for. Practice your customization on them, if it looks bad you just throw a $5.00 knife in the trash. If it looks good, well you have a customized $5.00 knife.

jonet143 · Post by **jonet143** » Mon Nov 13, 2006 1:29 am

hey hukk, remember my sows ear project in the custom knife forum? now it's a chinese turd

with chrome plating.

smiling-knife · Post by **smiling-knife** » Tue Nov 21, 2006 10:27 pm

Here is a thread documenting a project by our own agteacher. It includes dimpled bolsters.

s-k

http://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/kni ... ht=project

cavemans workshop · Post by **cavemans workshop** » Thu Jan 11, 2007 12:06 am

P chop
I can tell you how to do the stipple work as well as the hammer finish. It is done with a drewmel tool, and a soft cut or fine wheel. Just touch the wheel to the metal, and it will cut out little dimples, then you can polish it. The stipple is done with a Gravermiester, but can be done with a standard engraver, like you would use to put your name on tools. Please feel free to give me a holler if I can help, feel free to call. I am always willing to share info.
My e mail is tamp29@aol.com

TinyDee · Post by **TinyDee** » Thu Jan 11, 2007 11:02 pm

Use a small machinists hammer, buff the ball end to a mirror finish and tap the bolsters. Continue until the look is just what you want.