I took a $3 knife and tried modification

[slimpickins]

Paladin, it seems to me that you don't need a lot of tools to do a beautiful job. Great lookin knife!!! Slim

[Bearbear]

I must congratulate you & I will learn more as I read these posts as well. Bear

[bworldwidedotcom]

Very well done and nice to see an old Imperial get dressed up in such a classy outfit.

Someone said something about the steel - was it truly any good? I have a beautiful old blade from a Colonial scout pattern from the 40's or 50's. Thing was all rusted, so I cleaned up the blade and even did some kooky swedges just for practice when I got my new belt sander.

I've got the blade all cleaned up now and looking great. But its been sitting in a drawer in my desk. Wasn't sure if the steel in these Colonial / Imperials (are they one in the same??) was any good or not. The blade sure looks good now, but didn't want to waste my time putting it in a decent frame if it won't hold an edge.

Anyway, this rehandle job with the walnut looks great. Looks like a knife that would sell for $40-50 or more now from one of those custom knife catalogs. I think you did the right thing. Those shell handles are terrible - what were they thinking? I guess they were thinking "let's make a cheesy knife..."

BY THE WAY: can you tell us what you used on the handles? I know you buffed them up, but did you use any wood treatment prior to or after buffing like tung oil, brichwood-casey, etc. thanks.

[Bill DeShivs]

Nothing wrong with the steel.
Colonial and Imperial were different companies.

[orvet]

Those shell handles are terrible - what were they thinking? I guess they were thinking "let's make a cheesy knife..."

They were introduced about 1936, in the middle of the Great Depression.
Personally I think it was sheer genius!
No one has $3 or $4 to buy a new New York Knife pocketknife, so New York Knife closed their doors in 1932 and went bankrupt. So Imperial gets the license from a Germany company to make shell handled knives in the USA. They could offer a knife with great steel for 59¢. The fact that these knives have survived by the thousands for the last 80 years is testimony to the quality of the shell handles knives.

IMHO, it was a brilliant idea introduced at the perfect time.
It will be interesting to see how many Chinese knives of today survive for the next 80 years.

[Paladin 51]

Thanks so much guys for the compliments but if you do have a tip or trick to better improve it I would appreciate it. As far as the walnut after sanding to shape I stained it then applied Minwax wood hardener in 4 coats about 4 min between coats, let dry overnight. I then used Trewax paste floor wax and buffed, more wax and buff again till I thought it was done. It should hold up but if anyone has any better suggestions I will give em a try. And wheelgun I still owe you pics will try to get them today.

[johnnierotten]

Great job,Ken!!

[biglmbass]

Looking good.

[Chief RID]

Great job. That knife belongs in anyone's pocket that appreciates pocket knives. I think we would all be proud to carry it.