repair/replace pocket knife grips

[cjroot2004]

Hello all,

This is my very first post to this forum. While this may be an elementary topic for some, it is a new one to me. I do have plenty of general purpose repair and fabrication experience, just not specific to knives. I have an old folding pocket knife which needs new grips. Preferably wood, although synthetic would do. Preferably pre-fab, although I could probably fit some grip blanks custom if need be. The grip panel is 2 7/8" long. The grips are held in place by 3 vertical pins on each grip panel. However, on one side, one of the three pins has been knocked off. I have encluded some photos. The design of the blade, overall, seems to be a classic design, although I cannot find any manufacturers markings. Some questions that come to mind are: can i simply order up pre-fab replacement panels and install? can i avoid having to custom-fit either wood or synthetic grip panels? can i simply re-solder a new pin the place of the broken one? or do i need to remove all the pins and go to a different mounting system? (screws?) Thanks for the advice!

[Miller Bro's]

It looks like the handles were Celluloid that out gassed. The liners are deeply pitted and may be weakened.

I cannot find any manufacturers markings

Did you look at the base of the blade, (Tang), for markings? It looks like a Ka-Bar to me

can i simply order up pre-fab replacement panels and install? can i avoid having to custom-fit either wood or synthetic grip panels?

Not really, you will have to cut whatever you buy to fit your knife, and drill the holes to secure the handles with new pins.

Or you can simply epoxy them on with a quality adhesive.

[cjroot2004]

Sounds about right to me: the former grips were a broken-down yellow plastic substance. About the pitting, I think the liners will be OK and strong enough. Now getting down to details: to replace the one broken pin, do I drill a new hole and solder a new one in? Once my grips are in place, what holds it there, friction from the pin against the grip, or do i peen over the top of the pin so it mushrooms over the top a little bit (like a rivet?) Or, should I grind off all the old pins, drill and tap the side panels for screws? By the way, no identifying marks on the tang in terms of manufacturer. Thanks!

[Miller Bro's]

to replace the one broken pin, do I drill a new hole and solder a new one in?

They are not soldered in.

Once my grips are in place, what holds it there, friction from the pin against the grip, or do i peen over the top of the pin so it mushrooms over the top a little bit (like a rivet?)

They are peined over or spun to make a head.

Or, should I grind off all the old pins, drill and tap the side panels for screws?

You can use screws, just make sure they do not protrude through the liner much, or it will interfere with the blade closing and opening.

I would use new brass pins.

There are several "How To" threads in this forum, check it out.

http://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/kni ... 38&t=13147

[Chief RID]

Welcome 2004. I can't see your pics because of size but I am sure M.B. has it right. Putting on new handles would be a fun project. Do some searching here and come back for assistance when you have made some decisions.

[cjroot2004]

thank you very much everyone for the good advice! one more question about using brass pins to anchor the side panels. The current pins do not protrude entirely through one side of the knife to the other. they are contained entirely in the one side's liner. how do they stay in place? a press fit? soldered?

[Elvis]

thank you very much everyone for the good advice! one more question about using brass pins to anchor the side panels. The current pins do not protrude entirely through one side of the knife to the other. they are contained entirely in the one side's liner. how do they stay in place? a press fit? soldered?

The handle pins were peined in place simply to hold the handles on. They can be cut and gently driven out to make room for new ones or removed to allow for gluing the new handles on. Your choice.

[muskrat man]

The tutorial section will answer most of your questions and there is enough info in there to basically walk you through and entire rebuild
http://allaboutpocketknives.com/knife_f ... m.php?f=38

[Simple Man]

Though maybe not the most elegant, I have found the easiest way is to use a modern 2 part Exoxy (800-1200lb) available at Lowes or the like. Clean the surfaces well and it will hold as long as you will ever need it to.