All About Pocket Knives

I bought to practice on, I want to groove the bolsters. Thinking of using a key slot file to do it, but if I need correcting here, please set me straight.

Thanks.

you can use a triangular file, chainsaw file, jewelers saw etc. all depends on how wide and the shape you want the groove

Yep, what MM said!

Yes to all of the above! Have at it!

And please show "after" pics.

Just try to stay off of the pivot pin. You don't want to compromise the strength of the knife.

btrwtr wrote:Just try to stay off of the pivot pin. You don't want to compromise the strength of the knife.

understood, and thanks to all

btrwtr wrote:Just try to stay off of the pivot pin. You don't want to compromise the strength of the knife.

That is the first thing I cut to modify a knife.
You can't take it apart with the pivot pin in place!





Er, humm, ......... Understand I do replace it when reassembling the knife.

orvet wrote:

btrwtr wrote:Just try to stay off of the pivot pin. You don't want to compromise the strength of the knife.

That is the first thing I cut to modify a knife.
You can't take it apart with the pivot pin in place!





Er, humm, ......... Understand I do replace it when reassembling the knife.

I think he meant that in such a way that if the OP was only going to groove the bolsters, cutting too much of the pivot pin away with a large groove like with a round file could remove some or most of the peened part of the pin which could cause the knife to pull apart if lateral pressure was applied during use. on the other hand if you were going to pull it all the way apart to do other work you could always groove the bolster first then re-cut the countersink with a tapered reamer so you could do a a deep rat tail style bolster like on many of the old English jacks and pruners

to clarify, I mean to leave the knife assembled.

My apologies.

muskrat man wrote:

orvet wrote:

btrwtr wrote:Just try to stay off of the pivot pin. You don't want to compromise the strength of the knife.

That is the first thing I cut to modify a knife.
You can't take it apart with the pivot pin in place!





Er, humm, ......... Understand I do replace it when reassembling the knife.

I think he meant that in such a way that if the OP was only going to groove the bolsters, cutting too much of the pivot pin away with a large groove like with a round file could remove some or most of the peened part of the pin which could cause the knife to pull apart if lateral pressure was applied during use. on the other hand if you were going to pull it all the way apart to do other work you could always groove the bolster first then re-cut the countersink with a tapered reamer so you could do a a deep rat tail style bolster like on many of the old English jacks and pruners

Exactly what I meant. sandycross is filing the bolster. Not taking the knife apart.

Best of luck with your project sandycross.

all comments appreciated