All About Pocket Knives

So I have this lovely Junior Scout that I got a while back and would like to carry once in a while. The problem is the way they cut out the notch to access the awl is not sufficient and I cant get my nail in far enough to grab it. You should he able to see in the pics.

Any advice on the best way to reshape the bone scale so I can access the awl? I was thinking of just using my dremel very carefully but I want to see if anyone else had any better ideas first. Thnks!

This is only my opinion, Dremels can be tricky to use, if i was in your situation, i would be looking at using a small round file and fine grit sand paper. But i am sure more astute and experienced members may have a better solution.

Also only my opinion C., but I would do what cudgee suggested, using a Dremel the grinding edge can slide around a lot and you'd risk damaging your gorgeous knife, I would trust my own hand's steadiness long before a power tool.

Don't use the Dremel. It can get away from you and the amount taken off knife would be difficult to control.

Use a file and later very fine sandpaper. You are in complete control of the amount taken and there will not be a
slip-up.

Bob

Not to be contentious but personally I wouldn't hesitate to expand the notch with my Dremel. I was bombed/gifted a Case 6275 Moose, a 1981 issue. It had the same issue with its' spay blade as does your awl. I carefully expanded the existing notch to allow easier access to the nail nick. I chose one of the sanding drums and was able to remove enough bone and brass to open the blade. Can't tell it from one that was untouched.
Can you tell which one has been worked on? Here is a closer shot of the Dremel work: Treefarmer

You have done a great job there, if you have confidence in being able to control a dremel you show what can be achieved. I would not trust my skill or lack of skill level on such a knife as in the original question. If i had old knives to practice on i could probably improve my skill level.

Thank you all for the input thus far. I'm no stranger to the dremel and the sanding drum is what I was planning in using. The notch has been started already at the factory. I wont need to remove any metal I dont think. Just need to remove some of the bone scale. Though I might use the sanding drum and then follow up with some polish.

Maybe I'll give it a go tomorrow. I'll post some after pics here. Wish me luck!

You'll be fine. Just make sure you secure the knife properly in a vice or clamp. Post progressive photos, a lot of us here love seeing projects like yours being done.

I am more of a fan of the hand tool method using a file and sand paper.....

Power tools only help you make mistakes larger and quicker.

That is my $.02.