bolster removal

[jimdandy30]

Hi
To say I am new to knife repair would be a gross misrepresentation of the truth,That being said here are my questions.

How in the world do you remove the bolsters from a pocket knife.

I can see some have pins and logic would mean driving/pressing them out.

Some appear to be fastened by some sort of mystery.

Any help on this subject would be appreciated.

I am also new to this site so if i am asking in the wrong forum please advise where to ask these sort of questions.

Thanks
Jim

[knife7knut]

Welcome to AAPK Jim!
As to removal of bolsters;most are soldered AND pinned to the liners so removal requires heating them to a temperature that melts the solder.If they are also pinned then the pins must have the top(large part of the taper)ground away or drilled to allow the bolsters to be removed.This would likely severely damage the bolsters.This obviously requires that any type of handle(scale)be removed before attempting this.
If I may ask;why is it necessary to remove the bolsters? Are they damaged? Normally when a knife is re-scaled the bolsters are left intact.

[jimdandy30]

Well
I have a small old timer with a broken blade and want to replace it.

sounds like a can of worms i am about to open up.

Does the whole knife need to be disassembled to remove a blade on one end.

Thanks
Jim

[AREMINGTONSEDGE]

Hi Jim and to AAPK. I don't have an educated or personal experience answer to your question but I do know you have come across a great knife forum filled with men and women who love, live and breath knife knowledge. We have several knife mechanics who will answer your questions for you. I just wanted to welcome you to a great site and say your in for a real fun adventure.

Rocky

[Elvis]

Remove the center pin first. On the US made Schrades, once the center pin is removed you can slide the handles and bolsters off at the same time once the pressure is releived by removing that center pin. If you can provide us with a picture of the knife it would help a lot.

[Ramrod]

Hi Jim
Check this out
http://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/kni ... =38&t=5236
and this http://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/kni ... or#p105346
Mark

[jimdandy30]

Ramrod
WOW that makes it look easy.

The most important part will be reassembly if the pins are cut where to get new ones?

Are they just brass stock cut to length?

Lots of questions before I start.

It appears it will take me a long time to repair it properly or maybe I should tear a few up to see how they come apart and go back together.

Just like repairing cars everyone is a mechanic until it comes tome to do it right.

Thanks
Jim

[jimdandy30]

How important is the spring compressor?

Like flying parts important or ease of dis assembly/reassembly important?

Jim

[Elvis]

The backspring tension is going to be releived one way or another. If your Schrade was assembled using the Swinden system, I'd get it over with by removing the center pin. After that the entire sides are made to slide right off without damaging anything else. On most knives you'd just be cutting through nickel-silver. Those had internal steel pins which won't cut as easy with a razor. I'm sure you can look up the Swinden system with a search here on AAPK. It will explain a lot.