All About Pocket Knives

So, I have begun to tear apart a few fixer uppers. I have torn apart an Old Timer 12OT, and an old Hammer brand jack knife. I have cleaned them up, tinkered a bit with some files and I'm about ready to put them back together. Hopefully someone can help with a little advice.
I need to order pinstock and I need some advice on what size to get. Is it a good idea to try and match the size to the old stock or should I re-drill and move up a size?
On the OT is it a good idea to drill the bolsters and pin them rather than putting it back together with the keyholes?

Thanks for any help. I'll post pics of my beginner's attempt if any one wants as I progress.

Thanks
Nick

Hi Nick,

Please do post pictures. I would stick with the keyhole on the schrade unless it has alot of side to side play when assembled. As far as pin stock, you can get 3/32", however with many brands they use an odd size pin that you cannot seem to find commerically ( I almost think they do this on purpose), so just turn down a pin to fit your hole. Hope this helps

I noticed that the Jantz catalog had a lot of different sizes of roundstock and had a few metric sizes in nickel silver on page 28.

The keyholes are the best thing to stick with. The only reason to ever drill and pin them is if you have to change blades or springs. Trying to EXACTLY drill the hole in the right place is a daunting task even for the experianced knive customizer. Best to leave well enough alone there.

However if you do cut the "holding pins" for the keyholes to replace a blade or file a spring, good luck!

With pin stock, the way I do it is to put a piece of pin stock the next size up ( Your chances of finding pins that fit EXACTLY are very remote) in the chuck of your drill press and then cut a strip of sandpaper and wrap it around the pin with the drill press running. Checking often, sand down to the right size. Seems that all the knife manufactures try to be different so there are no standard sizes........ of course.

Good Luck.
Realmontanan

Thanks for the advice guys. I'll try and get some pics up soon.

Nick

Here's the Hammer I'm starting with. It started as a Cell wrapped shell handle in poor shape. It had a broken backspring and secondary blade. It was also missing one side of the handle. I thought it would make for a good first project knife.

I removed the remaining handle by prying up the crimped tabs at either end. Next I cut the pins to start disassembly. I got rid of the damaged spring and one of the liners. I finished disassembly then the parts were cleaned, lightly sanded and prepared for tinkering.

More pics soon.

Nick

lookin good, keep us posted !