All About Pocket Knives

Ivoryman wrote: ↑Thu Jul 08, 2021 12:48 am Thanks for the tips. That looks like a pretty coarse stone isn't it? I thought you would use a much finer stone, but guess not. And when you say "lift the spring" do you mean you open the blade partially to raise it up? If so, how can I do that on a spring where the pitting is right above or on top of the spring pin? That's where my corrosion is, right above the spring pin so even when blade is 1/3 or 2/3 open, it doesn't really raise the spring up much? How do I grind that spring down without hitting the liner and bone? Maybe I just need to tape off the bone and liner? Any tips you have would be helpful and gratefully welcome as I still don't fully understand everything you do to keep the stone off liner and scale. Thanks for the response and all info you have given though. Really am impressed with your restoration. Amazing difference. Thanks again for the tutorial. Love tips and info like this.

Yup, that's it. I partially open the blade and just manually stayed away from the liners, a finer stone would be nice.
I don't have many different stones for the dremel and that one just happened to be the right width, that's the only reason I used it. I set the dremel to 3, a low to medium rotation speed and I kept the face of the stone level with the spring as I ever so lightly made short strokes towards me only, feathering the new layer into the undamaged areas. I used blue painter's tape to protect the covers and it worked good. I just think wrist control is where it's at. If you got that, you're good.

That makes sense, thanks for the insight. And small quick strokes, got it. No big long runs down the spring?. The tape makes sense too. Thanks again for the tips, helps big time and I will definitely try it out. I find it is greatly helpful to hear others' techniques and descriptions. Best to you and keep up the good work. Love seeing it and can't argue with the results.

Ivoryman wrote: ↑Thu Jul 08, 2021 2:10 am That makes sense, thanks for the insight. And small quick strokes, got it. No big long runs down the spring?. The tape makes sense too. Thanks again for the tips, helps big time and I will definitely try it out. I find it is greatly helpful to hear others' techniques and descriptions. Best to you and keep up the good work. Love seeing it and can't argue with the results.

Thanks Iman! Not a problem.
Yes, short strokes but honestly I probably just got lucky that I didn't screw it up.
I have a few knives that need new covers but I don't have any experience rebuilding pocket knives and I'm too chicken to just try and do it.
Maybe I could interest you in working on them for me?

jerryd6818 wrote: ↑Tue Jul 06, 2021 5:29 pm The mail came early today. How fortuitous. In my eye, it's a beauty.

Great looking SAK Jerry, there's just something about them that is always right.

dlr110 wrote: ↑Thu Jul 08, 2021 2:00 pm

jerryd6818 wrote: ↑Tue Jul 06, 2021 5:29 pm The mail came early today. How fortuitous. In my eye, it's a beauty.

Great looking SAK Jerry, there's just something about them that is always right.

Especially the Alox models.

With all the seizures and delays due to Customs I'd become a bit discouraged regarding acquiring more knives, so I made a conscious decision to curb my buying habits, which usually consisted of the purchase of 1 or more models a month. I found that after only 1 month I was suffering definite withdrawal symptoms, so I treated myself to this knife today! It's a Cold Steel "Paradox" slip-joint that's 12" oal/SS spear-point blade with a swedge along the top, SS handles with through holes, pocket-clip, and a very unique method for opening/closing. Has a substantial weight of about 8 oz.'s, and arrived treacherously sharp. It bears C/S markings, and was built in Taiwan. The f n' f is up to C/S standards, and it walks open very smoothly with fingertip biting talk when it closes. This knife is built just like a regular balisong or butterfly flipper knife, but, it has half-stops with very strong springs that totally prevent it from being flipped, so you must use 2 hands to open or close the knife which entails pulling one handle to the left and one to the right to expose and lock the blade open/closed.(See pics!)I liked this knife because it was out-of-the-ordinary, and it'll fit in nicely with my other unusual folders! One of the nicest things about this knife is the fact that I ordered it and received it 1 day later with no worries about Customs since I bought it here in Canada!

Loose Arrow wrote: ↑Thu Jul 08, 2021 1:21 pm

Ivoryman wrote: ↑Thu Jul 08, 2021 2:10 am That makes sense, thanks for the insight. And small quick strokes, got it. No big long runs down the spring?. The tape makes sense too. Thanks again for the tips, helps big time and I will definitely try it out. I find it is greatly helpful to hear others' techniques and descriptions. Best to you and keep up the good work. Love seeing it and can't argue with the results.

Thanks Iman! Not a problem.
Yes, short strokes but honestly I probably just got lucky that I didn't screw it up.
I have a few knives that need new covers but I don't have any experience rebuilding pocket knives and I'm too chicken to just try and do it.
Maybe I could interest you in working on them for me?

I believe you need a stiddy with a flange to put inside the blade well while you peen the pins to rescale a knife like those. I think it would also require some soldering, which I don't have tools for. I don't have a stiddy and like you I wouldn't really want to experiment on your knives for my first try either. Not that I'm chicken, I will try about anything, but I believe one must have the right tools for such a job and some warm up or learning curve experience, both of which I don't have. I would try Muskrat man or Glennbad or Jeffinn or Orvet or someone who is already skilled at this kind of work. I'm flattered you would think me skilled enough, but like you I would have to do some practicing before using them for a possible guinea pig that might not turn out well. There are many guys here on AAPK that do exactly what you want done though. They might even give you a tutorial if you ask, or some tips enough to get you started. I looked at stiddys years ago and the price scared me off. For me personally it was too much for one or two knives I was going to work on so those two knives never were done. Price was 7-8 times the price of the knives. Not worth that much to me anyway. So sorry, but I'm not the guy, but there are guys around here who are good at that. Good luck and best to you in that endeavor.

Ivoryman wrote: ↑Thu Jul 08, 2021 4:28 pm ...So sorry, but I'm not the guy, but there are guys around here who are good at that. Good luck and best to you in that endeavor.

Not a problem, thanks for the guidance.
I'll continue to hoard them.
Eventually I'll have enough to afford not worrying about possibly destroying a few.

I received a couple in today.

First a Very Nice Schrade Walden 293 that I purchased from Ripster. Great looking blades & handles, with great snap, and it came with the plastic view box and insert. Plus he sent a little sweetener to the package. JP knowing that I am fond of Camillus and Promo knives, he also sent me a CAMCO 180 tip bolster jack with the screwdriver cap lifter, and has Promo Printing for Seven-Up Bottling Co. Tomah Wisconsin. It has a three digit phone number so I am pretty sure it is from the 1950's. Thanks JP, I do appreciate it. Here are the photos.
I also received a Victorinox EvoGrip 18 in yellow I ordered. I have a EvoGrip 15 in red which has the cork screw. So I decided to get the yellow 18 with the saw blade and phillips screwdriver.

Look at you Smitty! Very nice Mail Call....

Papa Bones wrote: ↑Thu Jul 08, 2021 10:19 pm Nice Schrade Walden 293 that I purchased from Ripster.

Sweet Schrade Walden 293 Trapper, Smitty; JP did you right. I really like the color on that one. (Is it bone or Delrin?)

Hey Smitty, I've had an EvoGrip 18 for over a year now and it lives on my desk. I just can't bring myself to put it away. Love looking at it. Good choice.

dlr110 wrote: ↑Thu Jul 08, 2021 11:26 pm Look at you Smitty! Very nice Mail Call....

Thanks David.

QTCut5 wrote: ↑Thu Jul 08, 2021 11:58 pm Sweet Schrade Walden 293 Trapper, Smitty; JP did you right. I really like the color on that one. (Is it bone or Delrin?)

Appreciate it "Q". It's Delrin.

jerryd6818 wrote: ↑Fri Jul 09, 2021 12:18 am Hey Smitty, I've had an EvoGrip 18 for over a year now and it lives on my desk. I just can't bring myself to put it away. Love looking at it. Good choice.

They are nice, and do feel good in hand Jerry. It will go in my rotation from time to time.

Papa Bones wrote: ↑Thu Jul 08, 2021 10:19 pm I received a couple in today.

Very nice pick-ups, Smitty.

This pick-up, isn't a knife, but it is related. Recently, Tom (TPK) offered up some precut fabric for sewing into knife slips. I took him up on the offer, and they arrived today. Thanks, Tom...hopefully I can get one or two sewn up by the end of the weekend!

QTCut5 wrote: ↑Wed Jul 07, 2021 7:35 pm

Ivoryman wrote: ↑Tue Jul 06, 2021 10:08 pm Out of the ordinary thing here...I'm stuck with it.

Don't know what you paid for it, but it sounds like you scored a super deal. Erickson custom knives aren't exactly cheap (cost) and they are always in high demand. I contacted Ken Erickson several years ago about making a custom knife and he said that his backlog was so long it would be at least five (5) years minimum before he could accept any new orders.

Beautiful piece. Great Score.

Please let me know if you need any help getting "unstuck"

Tried PMing you but can't see it in outbox or sent messages. Tried email, but don't know if it's the right one either. PM or email me and we'll do some Monte Hall impersonating.

Papa Bones wrote: ↑Thu Jul 08, 2021 10:19 pm I received a couple in today.

First a Very Nice Schrade Walden 293 that I purchased from Ripster. Great looking blades & handles, with great snap, and it came with the plastic view box and insert. Plus he sent a little sweetener to the package. JP knowing that I am fond of Camillus and Promo knives, he also sent me a CAMCO 180 tip bolster jack with the screwdriver cap lifter, and has Promo Printing for Seven-Up Bottling Co. Tomah Wisconsin. It has a three digit phone number so I am pretty sure it is from the 1950's. Thanks JP, I do appreciate it. Here are the photos.
Sch Wal 293_a.png
Sch Wal 293_b.png
Sch Wal 293_cd.png
Camco 801 NuPearl adv_b.png
Camco 801 NuPearl adv_c.png
Camco 801 NuPearl adv_d.png


I also received a Victorinox EvoGrip 18 in yellow I ordered. I have a EvoGrip 15 in red which has the cork screw. So I decided to get the yellow 18 with the saw blade and phillips screwdriver.

Vic EVOG18 yel_a.png
Vic EvoG18 yel_b.png

Great haul Smitty. Really likin' the little Victor too, it's so darn busy!

Dan In MI wrote: ↑Fri Jul 09, 2021 2:40 am

Papa Bones wrote: ↑Thu Jul 08, 2021 10:19 pm I received a couple in today.

Very nice pick-ups, Smitty.

This pick-up, isn't a knife, but it is related. Recently, Tom (TPK) offered up some precut fabric for sewing into knife slips. I took him up on the offer, and they arrived today. Thanks, Tom...hopefully I can get one or two sewn up by the end of the weekend!

Knife Slip Fabric.jpg

Fabric With Knives.jpg

Cool project Dan. Can't wait to see the finished product.

I got another unusual folder in today guys, and once I figured out how to operate it properly it became a ton of fun to play with! It's a CRKT Compact 2 Kommer Fulcrum-Release linerlock that is 6 1/2" oal/black-coated SS drop-point blade, SS cross-cut bolsters, translucent blue and white ABS covers, screw construction, and a pocket-clip. A very comfortable weight of only about 2.5 oz.'s, and extremely sharp. Displays CRKT markings and patent number. I was intrigued at how this knife opens/closes, and after using it I like it even more. You must press forward on the front cover in order for the blade to be released from the channel by about 25%, and then pull back on the same cover to flip the blade up and open into the locking position. To release you simply push on the single-liner until the blade is free. I've included some pics trying to show what I'm talking about. I thought I might have Customs problems due to this being a 1-handed opening knife, but I'd bet that Customs couldn't even figure out how to operate it! The fully closed position.The blade propelled out about 25%.The blade fully deployed.The liner depressed to release the blade.Back to the fully closed state. Cool, huh!

That is cool Mark. I like that. Is the bolster hard to move? There was a knife that had a patented bolster lock and release made back in the 70’s and that bolster was so damn hard to move I nearly sliced my thumb off after bruising my thumb badly on it. Any others I’ve come across have been difficult as well.

I picked up a couple as well. The first is an A.G. Russell lockback made by Master Tak Fukuta. Desert Ironwood handles with ATS-34 blade.
The second one is a Moki designed by Bill Ruple. Red stag handles with VG-10 blade. 1 of 125 made for Old School Knife Works. 3 other handle materials offered are natural stag, bourbon bone and mahogany bone. More info under the High End Japanese Knives Forum.

On the other end of the spectrum, I just snagged this Cattleman's Cutlery off eBay. I just liked the handles and it was CHEAP.

Madmarco wrote: ↑Fri Jul 09, 2021 6:47 pm I got another unusual folder in today guys, and once I figured out how to operate it properly it became a ton of fun to play with! It's a CRKT Compact 2 Kommer Fulcrum-Release linerlock that is 6 1/2" oal/black-coated SS drop-point blade, SS cross-cut bolsters, translucent blue and white ABS covers, screw construction, and a pocket-clip. You must press forward on the front cover in order for the blade to be released from the channel by about 25%, and then pull back on the same cover to flip the blade up and open into the locking position. To release you simply push on the single-liner until the blade is free. I've included some pics trying to show what I'm talking about. I thought I might have Customs problems due to this being a 1-handed opening knife, but I'd bet that Customs couldn't even figure out how to operate it! 8)WIN_20 Cool, huh!

Very very cool. Good looker too. What's even cooler is you snuck it by Customs without confiscation. YES! Score one for the delivery right under their noses!!!!

Sharpnshinyknives wrote: ↑Fri Jul 09, 2021 8:44 pm
The second one is a Moki designed by Bill Ruple. Red stag handles with VG-10 blade. 1 of 125 made for Old School Knife Works. 3 other handle materials offered are natural stag, bourbon bone and mahogany bone. More info under the High End Japanese Knives Forum.

Wow what a gorgeous set of antlers that one has. Cool knife all around really. Kudos to you for finding and scoring. Touchdown and two point conversion!

I have purchased a number of knives from Jeffin at secondlifeknives.com and have to share this one. Just a 5 inch fish knife with no tang stamp but what Jeff did to it made it awesome. The bone handle and file work is beautiful to me. Been greatly satisfied with all the knives I have purchased from Jeff but this one is outstanding.

Picked up this GEC stockyard whittler on the bay. Sellers photos to show tarnish on blades. Some cleaning, a drop of oil, and a few passes on the stone. Ready to go to work!

Ivoryman wrote: ↑Tue Jul 06, 2021 10:08 pm Out of the ordinary thing here, never hunted or paid these any mind since a post here many moons ago on a Ken Erickson whittler with an extra offensive price tag on it. But this single blade came up and flew under the radar and couldn't believe the bid it was at so on a complete lark for a bit of a joke I threw in a bid that I was sure would never take the lead, much less win it. Not only was I wrong, but way off since it sold for much less than I bid. So I was stuck with it. Kind of an anomaly and shock to the system. But what can I say, if you bid, ya might just win. So it came and was all it was cracked up to be and more. Although the bone is not very photogenic, it looks better in person. But the thing is flawless, gator snap, nice smooth pull, sweet click, great F&F and everything like it should be. Centered, no wobble, good fit in the hand and can't believe it's here in my pile. But since this is the place for stuff like it, thought I would let those interested see it. Very nice knife all around, but nowhere near the price of his regular stuff. I just can't understand why it went for so little given his others stuff goes for the near grand range. But it did so I'm stuck with it. What turned me on was the blade between a Wharn and Spear sort of. Love that.

Beautiful !! Love that blade

CluelessNick wrote: ↑Sat Jul 10, 2021 1:38 am I have purchased a number of knives from Jeffin. Been greatly satisfied with all the knives I have purchased from Jeff but this one is outstanding.

Amen x 10. Same here.