Replacing scales on Imperial barlow

[Nev52]

I am trying to replace the scales on this old Imperial barlow. I had some cherry wood so I figured what do I have to lose. After I shape it a little more I will expoxy them on.

imperial barlow broken scale.jpg (27.04 KiB) Viewed 2465 times

barlow new scale.jpg (27.06 KiB) Viewed 2465 times

[eveled]

That’s going to be beautiful.

[Reverand]

I agree: that has the capacity to be a beautiful knife!
And it is a good choice for the project: an inexpensive pocket knife that is made from great steel. That one can last you a lifetime!

[rea1eye]

That wood is going to look real good on that knife.
Keep us posted on your progress.

Bob

[Nev52]

Thanks guys for your comments. I am slowly getting it together. I thought I would try to fix up that old knife.You have to start somewhere.

[Nev52]

Update on knife.

barlow s.jpg (30.93 KiB) Viewed 2355 times

barlow side view.jpg (27.5 KiB) Viewed 2355 times

barlow top view.jpg (27.43 KiB) Viewed 2355 times

Working at a snail's pace, Finely attached the scales. 4th set I made. I will update when job completed.

[Nev52]

Completed Imperial barlow.
I know this is an elementary job for many. I think it turned out allright. Not up to some of the repairs I have viewed on here but I am trying.
Thanks for looking.

barlow complete.jpg (33.85 KiB) Viewed 2346 times

barlow complete.jpg (33.85 KiB) Viewed 2346 times

barlow finished.jpg (35.52 KiB) Viewed 2346 times

[rea1eye]

Looks like a good job. You will always remember this knife because
you did it yourself -first job.

Bob

[cody6268]

I did not think replacing the handles on shell-handle knives was even possible without converting them to standard handle construction by removing the integral bolster/liner and replacing them with standard liners and separate bolsters.

Great job!

One of the about half-dozen Imperial Barlows I amassed in less than a year's time (ironically the first of that group) has the butt end of the scales broken (both of them), so I may attempt this.

[Nev52]

Thanks Bob,

[Nev52]

Cody6268,
I am glad I did not know that or I would not have tried. I don't know it it is correct way but so far it's working. After I pried off the plastic scales I traced the old scale to some cherry wood. Then used a dremel tool to remove the wood so I could install over the high parts on the inside cut scale. After 4 attempts the scales fit. Then I expoxy on the outer scales. after that I shaped the scales on a belt sander and hand sanded to fit. I hope it holds up.

[Steve Warden]

Well done. Looks great!

[edge213]

Good job!

[#goldpan]

That looks good to me I did something similar to a Stag granddaddy Barlow in oak. Kinda wish I still had it. Congrats on putting that Barlow back in service!

[OLDE CUTLER]

Cody6268,
I am glad I did not know that or I would not have tried. I don't know it it is correct way but so far it's working. After I pried off the plastic scales I traced the old scale to some cherry wood. Then used a dremel tool to remove the wood so I could install over the high parts on the inside cut scale. After 4 attempts the scales fit. Then I expoxy on the outer scales. after that I shaped the scales on a belt sander and hand sanded to fit. I hope it holds up.

What did you use for a finish on the wood?

[Reverand]

It is best to start with an "elementary" repair. I think some people start with something too ambitious, then get stuck, or find that they don't have the tools to finish it, then give up.
Also, it is good to innovate instead of assuming that "it cannot be done that way". You found a good solution that works, and now you have a good EDC knife!

[Nev52]

Thank you all for your compliments.

Olde Cutler,
The finish is paste wax.

I enjoy small projects and this pocket knife repair seems to be somewhat addictive. I was thinking about buying some inexpensive china made knives to take apart and experiment on to refine my work. I think the hardest part is the intimidation of destroying a good knife. I guess once you break the ice that fear will diminish.

[TripleF]

Well done. Looks great!

Ditto!!

[Nev52]

Thanks' Men for you support.
I think I might like tinkering with knives. Keeps me busy.