All About Pocket Knives

Hello, I am a newbie and just read on how to replace knife handles but it did not describe to me how to put the finished handles back on the folder. I plan on putting Ivory on a few old pocket knives. I read how to prepare the ivory and such, but, what recommendations are there on putting the slabs back on the knives. I would like to use brass pins.If this is what you would use,does anyone have any advise on this?

Thanks!!

welcome to the site. you might want to read our knife repair and restoration and tutorials in our knife repair section. lots of good advice and instruction by our own members. i will move your post there so you will get responces.

If the bolster are brass ,use brass pins. If they are nickle/silver use that.
When I do scales I like to use a pin that is just a hair larger than the hole. Then I put it in my drill press and use fine grit sandpaper to taper the pin.that way they fit good and tight and require minimal or no peening.
Here's a link to a site that can give you step by step tutorials on what you need ,and everything else related to knife making. hope it helps.

http://gbrannon.bizhat.com/old.htm

Thanks for all your help on my questions. I really want to start restoring old knives and don't want to mess them up. I'll be taking your advise and read the link.

Thanks again, Todd

Welcome aboard Todd!!!!

I use the same material the liner is made of for scale pins, if they are brass liners I use brass if they are NS I use NS. Also, use the same material for the pins that will go through the bolsters as the bolsters are made out of. Brass, NS, and carbon steel rod are available. Do not use stainless steel rod in old steel bolsters though becuase after finished down they each have different "colors" use regular steel welding rod, it blends in almost always perfectly.