Ducklings and Swans - TL-29 Conversions

[trail]

I think everybody likes a Tl-29 except for Wullie, judging from the number of threads already out there, but is there room for one more? I would like to see TL-29 conversions. This seems to be an area of growing interest, and several AAPK craftsmen have posted pictures of their work in the last couple of years. Could we get all the pictures together in one place? It would be a good reference and place to get ideas. I'm inviting anyone with a TL-29 conversion, whether you made it yourself or bought it from a gifted knife mechanic, to post you knives here.

I've been wanting one of these for a while, and when I was able to pick up a Utica in good condition other than a broken handle, I knew the time had come. I arranged for Muskrat Man to do the conversion, since I have less than no ability around the machine shop, and am now the proud owner of this mesquite handled, single bladed slipjoint. This has just whetted my appetite for TL-29 conversions, and I could see myself making a collection of them.

[jmh58]

trail.. That is over the top!!! NICE!! John

[glennbad]

I've got a couple that I did for guys at my office. I've posted these before on this site.

This one started life as a Camco TL29:



I decided to make it into a single blade liner lock. Here's after cleanup and rough fit:



Picked some wood. I noted what wood it was but can't remember. Rough shaped the scales:



Everything put together and before final shaping and sanding:



Here's the finished product:




The guy this knife went to really liked it, but in retrospect, he doesn't care for the liner lock. My next one, I left it out. See next post.

Glenn

[glennbad]

Here's the other one:

The donor knife was a Schrade 204:



I was going to do a liner lock with the existing schrade blade:



I ended up procuring a different blade from Dale (Orvet):



I got rid of the liner lock. Here is the finished product:




I loved the EO notch. Wood is Bois de Rosa. Makes me want to do another very soon.

Glenn

[trail]

Really impressive knives, Glenn. So far we have seen three conversions, all with their own personalities but all showing their common heritage. Muskrat Man's is very clean lined with exotic wood, Glenns Camco retains the liner lock and uses handles that look much like an original TL-29. That one could pass for a factory built knife if someone didn't know their patterns. The Schrade/Boker has an easy open notch and exotic wood.

Glenn, thanks for the pictures that make the whole conversion process clear, even to a mechanically challenged person.

[coffeecup]

I don't know as I'd characterize the TL-29 as an "ugly duckling," but they are a work knife. Our conversions always remind me of some of the sporterized Springfield and Mauser rifles: some of it is nice work, but I still like the originals. (And I must like TL-29s, I count mine by the cigar-box and I did hang a bunch up on the Christmas tree last year!)

The only conversion I currently have is this one, done up by Orvet with a locking blade and stag scales:


It isn't as pretty as that anymore; it has been carried and used a fair amount since then. But it is still a good solid knife, and I do like the lock.

I've had a half-dozen others over the years, they've always been traded off or given away. I think if I were going to have another done, I might consider something like Glenn's EO conversion--I just can't decide if I'd want the liner lock or not. I think I'd want a lanyard hole, and a shield too--with my initials or something engraved on it. Maybe a duck with a tommygun.

Jim

[smiling-knife]

Great work guys I like the one blade pattern. s-k

[trail]

Very nice, Coffeecup, with the stepped bolster and stag handles. You could definitely dress one up with a shield and lanyard hole, plus some filework on the backspring. Seems like there is no end to the variations that could come out of one simple work knife pattern.

What about replacing the blades with a clip and a spey? Electro-Trapper!

[gary]

Pics should enlarge. If you would like one of these let me know.
Gary

[glennbad]

Holy cow! Mine look like crap compared to Gray and Dale's work. I'll have to get back down in the shop....

Glenn

[trail]

Gary, did you reshape the original blades or use new ones? And I'm wondering about Dale's knife too, the blade looks a little pointier than a standard TL.

[coffeecup]

Trail, my knife has filework on the backspring and blade--it just doesn't show up in that pic .

I'm not sure I'd want the filework on the backspring again, it tends to make for some extra work cleaning out the gunk. (Probably not a problem unless you are using the knife on game.) The filework on the blade is great for keeping my thumb from slipping.

The blade is standard Camillus TL-29 shape, but in the picture the stag scale tips the knife slightly, making it look a bit more pointy. I thought about a lanyard hole but decided not to, and I think (with stag like this) that was the correct decision. One of the things I use a short lanyard for is to tighten up my grip on the knife; on this knife the stag locks my hand in solid--skin will tear before the stag slips.

Glenn, sent you a PM.

Jim

(edited to add pic)

[gary]

Original blades, but yes I reshaped them to keep a flat sharping surface. I also added a thumb pull or easier opening space for your thumb in the liner.

[caddyman1973]

I found a few pics of some of the ones I've redone.

Desert Ironwood Burl, End Bolster, Fileworked and EZ open

Stellars Seacow Bone, End Bolster, Brown Spacers, Fileworked and EZ open

Bocote handles and Fileworked. Sent to Gino in a Roundtable.

Elk Stag, End Bolster and Fileworked.

Cocobolo or Honduras Rosewood (I cant remember) End Bolster, Fileworked and Rat-tailed Front Bolster

Stag jigged Buffalo Horn and Fileworked.

I could prolly find a few more, but that's enough from me. Oh, and I EDC the first one I done, but we wont be lookin' at that one .

[trail]

Capped conversions - I didn't think of that. Caddyman, those are some fine looking knives.

[glennbad]

Wow Caddyman!. Those are pretty sweet.

Did you manufacture the end caps yourself?

Glenn

[caddyman1973]

I made them from 3/16" Nickel Silver bar stock. The one with Ironwood looks about right, IMO. The others, the bolster I added is a little too long for my taste. Its takes some practice to make things look like you want them to. Bill

[paulsvintage]

BEAUTIFUL JOB !

[vikingdog]

Very nice caddyman!

[1967redrider]

Now that is talent! All of these knives are pretty sweet!

[Toejammer]

And now for something completely different..........







Yep, thats the screwdriver / blade. The main was toast on this one, so I figured what the heck !!

[tjmurphy]

Now you've got a "radio knife"

[paulsvintage]

great job guys. after another 10 foot of pin stock i might be able to spin half as good. everything goes well till i get to that part

[Toejammer]

My first try at bone handles.....not bad for a Dremel and hand sanding

[glennbad]

That's a beauty, Toe! Whose bone did you use? I have been having alot of fun with this pattern lately, having done 3 of them already, with another couple in the on-deck circle waiting.

I like the blades, as they usually have a nice crisp half-stop on them.

Great work!

Glenn