All About Pocket Knives

On 5/24/20 I posted in the Wanted Forum that I was looking for a spey blade for a Camillus 64. I found a complete knife with a fairly good spey blade, other wise the knife was in worse condition than mine. I went ahead a bought the knife, not only for the spey blade, but to also practice taking a multi-blade Camillus knife apart (which was suggested by some members).
I got the knife apart, keeping track of which spring goes where and the orientation of the springs, even though I probably will not reassemble this knife (I just wanted to practice keeping track of the parts and how they came out of the knife).
My question is this. How are the bolsters attached to the bolster liners? It appears as though the bolsters must be removed to replace the pivot pins. If that is the case, is there a recommended way to do this?
Attached are a couple of photos to show what I am seeing. Thanks in advance for any assistance.

Jerry Johnson

The pins go through the bolsters, they are just peened in place so tightly that you cannot see them on the outside of the bolsters.
I place the bolsters on a wooden block with holes (So I can drive the pins down into the hole), and drive the pins out with a punch. Some pins pop right out by using a spring-loaded center punch. Some have to be drilled out.
Here is a great tutorial by Dale that helped me a lot:

viewtopic.php?f=38&t=13147

I just drive them out as well with a punch that is 1 size smaller than the pins (i.e. if the pin is 3/32, use a 5/64 punch). Just file the cut end first so it is nice and flat. I find that if the pins are bent up or distorted, it works better to nip them off and file flush with the inside of the liner first. Occasionally I encounter one that doesn't want to give, so I drill a small hole in the center (1/64) to relieve the pressure first.

As they said...the pin should come out, without affecting the bolster. I'm not sure if this type bolster has much, if any solder. They are kind of "pinned" on the liner. In my experience...it is not unusual to knock these bolsters off. If that happens, sometimes they will pop back in to place. I've had to solder a couple back on, to retain them. I try to grind most of the Pivot pin off, before lightly tapping it out.

Reverand, Herb and Doc B; thank you for the helpful information on removing the pivot pins from my Camillus 64. Two pins came out easier than the other two, but following your instructions allowed me to get them all out. I believe I am now ready to install the new handle material and reassemble the knife.

Jerry Johnson

Sorry dude. You are hooked now. There is not a cure for the knife-mechanic bug!