Fun with a cast iron knife

[Reverand]

I had LOTS of fun redoing this old cast-iron knife that I found for $5. It looks like a cheap Boy's Knife, except it is 4-1/8" long closed. The blade is obviously not original.

Before I started

Also before I started

I soaked it in vinegar and used a wire brush to remove the rust. I had to do this three times to get it down to somewhat clean metal.
The only surprise when I took it apart is that the spring was not original, either.

Taken apart for cleaning

Handmade spring

After re-shaping the blade and the back of the spring, I discovered two things about the homemade spring:
It is much thinner than the blade, and it is too narrow near the end of it. There was no snap, and the blade sat too far into the blade well to even see the nail nick.
I started to make a new spring, but instead decided to silver-solder a broken spring on top of this one, and grind it down to fit. It worked well!

Spring work

Spring work 2

And I kind-of enjoyed the end result! I know that painting it might seem kind of tacky, but I am happy with it!

[Jeffinn]

Silver soldering the spring parts is something I haven’t seen before. Nice job with the knife and way to think outside the box!

[samb1955]

Shouldn't be hard to find if you drop it outside, or anywhere else. If you like it that's all that matters.

[Doc B]

The coat of many colors. Now it feels the love...by being returned to the working world!

[Reverand]

Silver soldering the spring parts is something I haven’t seen before. Nice job with the knife and way to think outside the box!

I have thought of soldering on a thin piece of clock-spring material before, but decided against it because it might wear the tang too badly, being a harder steel.
This only worked because it needed a LOT of build-up!
I also followed Dale's soldering advice and tinned both pieces. It soldered better and the parts stuck right together with no sliding around!

[orvet]

Interesting come it appears that the spring was hidden inside of the cast iron handles?

I'm glad you were able to get it working functional it looks like the work you did was very good. I won't comment on your choice of paint colors.

[FRJ]

I'm sure that's a hunter green.

[Meridian_Mike]

Very interesting!!
I had no idea that the metal in the handles was that thick on those knives.!!!

I know that the later ones that were cranked out by imperial and others were nothing but stamped out sheet metal.
I have a knife on the way that I sure do hope it will be of similar construction to yours.....

https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/kn ... 37&t=64151

[herbva]

Remarkable and very creative transformation! I would have never thought of the bright green paint or the silver solder trick for the spring. I've seen Dale's pictures of springs and tangs that he revived with welding to replace lost metal, but I may now try silver soldering.

[Colonel26]

Me neither! I’d have never thought about soldering. Very cool!

[Reverand]

Very interesting!!
I had no idea that the metal in the handles was that thick on those knives.!!!

I know that the later ones that were cranked out by imperial and others were nothing but stamped out sheet metal.
I have a knife on the way that I sure do hope it will be of similar construction to yours.....

https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/kn ... 37&t=64151

I have read over that post a couple of times. It does look to be similar construction, but you'll never know until you get it apart! I would think you would have to be more careful with that aluminum.
And I have taken apart several Imperials (the first knife I ever did, in fact). They are very different, very thin scales that just clip on, and are better quality. My cast iron knife has a poor fit, and there is little that I can do to improve it.

[Meridian_Mike]

My cast iron knife has a poor fit, and there is little that I can do to improve it.

You know.... Those must have been meant for boys to take out and lose in the dirt.

"Daddy, can I have a pocket knife?"
"Sure son, here you go. Take good care of it and don't lose it."
(All the time knowing it would be gone in a day or 2.....)
Maybe they were even meant to teach a lesson. Teaching a kid to be a good steward of small things entrusted to him. If he was careful and used the knife wisely, maybe Dad would give him a better knife later.

They had to be cheap enough for a Dad to buy his son, thinking all the time his son would be likely to lose it.
SO... a pile of parts that were assembled and NOT FITTED.... is how I see these knives.

My thought is.... if we improve on them at all, then we are making a much better example of this type of knife, that will be kept and possibly used by others.

Good job on improving the fit and finish of your knife.
FUN!!!