All About Pocket Knives

With all the wildfires we've had here the last couple of weeks it's been really difficult to get much done anywhere because of the smoke. I couldn't turn the air conditioner on in the shop because it filled the shop up with smoke. It's hard to work on knives in your eyes are burning!

Here's an old Marbles Gladstone, Michigan I have been working on. It had a Bakelite pommel on it which was in several pieces. If I am correct in my understanding the Bakelite pommel was used in World War II as a substitute for a more durable metal pommel.

This is what the knife look like when I got it This was my first remove and replace all of the spacers on a stack leather ring handle. I learned quite a bit had in the process. And while I didn't have thick enough colored spacers I had to glue. I don't think it's a perfect job but it was certainly a learning experience and a lot of fun to do. I have another Marbles Gladstone I'm going to try something a little different with it.

As I said is not perfect, but it will give somebody a lifetime of service. I also made the sheath and hand stitched it. It's quite a bit heavier leather than is usually a found on old knives.

I used a deer antler crown because some of the newer Marbles had Stag or bones pommels on some models.

I hope you enjoy the pictures!

Wow Dale, that’s great! I really like the crown pommel! Excellent work!

Morning Dale. Your restoration work on the Marbles knife is very good. Really liking that crown pommel. Oh! And your sheath is looking like a perfect fit. Very nice as well. Thanks for showing us. Steve B.

That is a BEAUTIFUL....... right-handed knife you have dressed up there, Dale!
I love the way you turned the protrusions on the base of that crown to make it comfortable to a right-handed hold.
Wonderful work as usual!



AND.... yes, that sheath is VERY nice!!

Really nice work Dale! I really like your choice of an antler crown for the pommel. Much more creative and in-keeping with the style of the knife and much, much better looking than a plain old blob of aluminum.

Like everyone else has said that is some expert work. I wish I had the talent and knowledge to work on knives like you do. Thanks for sharing and I hope to see more of your work.

As usual, great work Dale! That leathers interesting to work with isn't it?

Thanks guys I appreciate the feedback.

The crown pommel was a bit of a challenge, this is first time I had used one. Mike, you are right buddy, it is a right handed knife. I did a lot of checking to be sure it was comfortable in my hand.

Byrd wrote: ↑Tue Sep 22, 2020 12:33 pm As usual, great work Dale! That leathers interesting to work with isn't it?

Thanks Byrd, I enjoy working with the leather, both the rings and the sheaths. I am fortunate to had a shoe repair shop in my town that carries a nice selection of leather, leather tools, dyes, polishes and leather treatments. They sure do improve the look of the leather on the sheath and the handle.


David, you could do this, it isn't hard. I didn't know anything about fixing knives, so I bought some cheap, broken knives and started trying to fix them. Soon you figure out what works and you build on that knowledge. Don't by afraid to fail. Often I lessen more from failure than I do from a success!

That really is quite nice, Dale! Another home run!!!

Looks great to me. Love the antler crown. Great job Dale.

As always Dale, wonderfully finished end product .
Yes yes yes, it shall give many more years of excellent service to the new (lucky) owner.
If it twill be the same for me, I shalt take a crack at learning the trade, this fall, after harvest, hopefully.

WOW Dale, that is excellent work! Great choice of crown stag, you really did this knife justice!

Thanks guys, I appreciate your comments.
I have a other Marbles in the works. The knife is almost finished but I need to make the sheath yet.

That is an awesome look! Great choice! That crown pommel was well worth the extra effort.

That's a nice looking package and a great restore!

I also agree anyone can do this jump in and try. I think too many times we see great work and figure I cant do that. Truth us each one you work on gets better and before long you are doing great work too. Enjoy the journey have fun and try stuff

Best

Ross

Beautiful result!!!

....beautiful work, dale!!, I've been wondering if the fires were affecting you!!!!.................. .....

.....btw, watched a John Wayne movie last night that was filmed in Oregon, "Rooster cogburn and the Lady.....beautiful scenery!!...hope it's not burned up now!!!................ ............................