All About Pocket Knives

I was in the process of dis assembling this Imperial Boy Scout knife to replace a broken blade when I got somewhat of a surprise on how these are constructed. This being an Imperial, I was not thinking about it when I used a utility knife blade to cut the pin to remove the broken blade and when the pin sheared, I realized what was going on. This Imperial is of the Swinden pin construction method. I would not have done it this way if I would have been paying attention. The broken blade was still good and tight with the Swinden pin, so I would have re assembled it back together the same way. Anyway, all is not lost as the thru pin conversion will have to be done now. Could have saved some work though.

I get caught every once in awhile (still) with a knife that turns out to be a Swinden key.
It’s one of those “dangit” moments when you suddenly realize it!
A couple more holes and a few more pins and you’ll be back in business..
Jeff

Pretty sure, I would have done the same thing.

If you are ever looking for parts for older knives like this and of all types, let me know. I have a lot of older knives in various condition laying around. Finding them? That might be a bigger challenge.

Cokerclan wrote: ↑Wed Sep 16, 2020 4:11 pm If you are ever looking for parts for older knives like this and of all types, let me know. I have a lot of older knives in various condition laying around. Finding them? That might be a bigger challenge.

Actually I am. I need a spring for the master blade on the top pictured Boker 182 Stainless camper. And a master blade on the bottom pictured Boker 7593 camper. Got anything like that?

OC, don't feel too bad. I did the same thing a month or so ago on an Ulster scout knife. I had been wanting to try to repair a swinden key knife by repinning and by golly I did it!

Yeah, I have been fooled by that a few times also. I'm confused though, was your intent to replace the broken main blade? If so, you had no choice but to cut the swinden rivet...

glennbad wrote: ↑Thu Sep 17, 2020 11:25 am Yeah, I have been fooled by that a few times also. I'm confused though, was your intent to replace the broken main blade? If so, you had no choice but to cut the swinden rivet...

Had I realized that this Imperial had a Swinden pin, I would not have cut it but would have removed the rocker pin, shifted the two halves slightly, gently spread the end of the knife to allow the head of the Swinden pin to clear and it would have come right apart. I would not have cut the pin on the other end retaining the bail. I have done this before on Old Timers which I knew had a Swinden pin. This one is a little different though because the bail end has a thru pin.

Ahh, now I understand.