If you have not done one yet, you should try doing a full shell handled conversion on one of those Imperials. I have done several Kamp Kings, Hammer cattle knives, Barlows, and stockman. It is a real blast to do the whole thing just like you want it. Basically the conversion involves making new brass liners, making and soldering on new bolsters, and rehandling with your choice of material. Lot of work, but it makes a neat customized knife. Try it you'll like it! A link to one of the ones I have done. I have 2 more Kamp Kings laying on the end of the bench until I decide how I want to do them.Reverand wrote: ↑Sat Jan 01, 2022 9:31 pm I had a couple of broken-up Imperial shell-handled knives that I thought I would experiment upon. Sometimes a strange idea pops into my head while out in the knife shop, and I have to goof off with it just to satisfy my curiosity.
Anyway, I soldered some brass plate to the scales, pinned and polished, and found myself liking the results!
1641071701608.jpg
1641071721997.jpg
The blade was from a Camper, and the frame from a Stockman, but it all fit okay. It is very slim and disappears in the pocket. In retrospect I should have paired a smaller blade along with a cap lifter, or something like that. But as I said earlier, this was just an experiment.
Still, it was easier than soldering on bolsters and adding scales to one.
I even took the leftover parts from the Camper and made me a quick Shop knife. I sharpened the punch, and it cuts well and makes a great scraper!
1641072557826.jpg
Yes, I have started one a year or two ago, after seeing yours, but I haven't finished it yet. I keep getting disgusted with the scales I put on it. I shaped the liners and bolsters on a Canoe pattern. I need to finish it soon.OLDE CUTLER wrote: ↑Sat Jan 01, 2022 10:40 pmIf you have not done one yet, you should try doing a full shell handled conversion on one of those Imperials. I have done several Kamp Kings, Hammer cattle knives, Barlows, and stockman. It is a real blast to do the whole thing just like you want it. Basically the conversion involves making new brass liners, making and soldering on new bolsters, and rehandling with your choice of material. Lot of work, but it makes a neat customized knife. Try it you'll like it! A link to one of the ones I have done. I have 2 more Kamp Kings laying on the end of the bench until I decide how I want to do them.Reverand wrote: ↑Sat Jan 01, 2022 9:31 pm I had a couple of broken-up Imperial shell-handled knives that I thought I would experiment upon. Sometimes a strange idea pops into my head while out in the knife shop, and I have to goof off with it just to satisfy my curiosity.
Anyway, I soldered some brass plate to the scales, pinned and polished, and found myself liking the results!
1641071701608.jpg
1641071721997.jpg
The blade was from a Camper, and the frame from a Stockman, but it all fit okay. It is very slim and disappears in the pocket. In retrospect I should have paired a smaller blade along with a cap lifter, or something like that. But as I said earlier, this was just an experiment.
Still, it was easier than soldering on bolsters and adding scales to one.
I even took the leftover parts from the Camper and made me a quick Shop knife. I sharpened the punch, and it cuts well and makes a great scraper!
1641072557826.jpg
viewtopic.php?f=37&t=59087&hilit=shell+handle
go-to for pen knives, and you can see as to why. You can make fer a pretty special knife; & it's brass, so easy to work with (compared to nickel/stainless).
You can do it brother! If you don't like the scales, just rip 'em off!Reverand wrote: ↑Sun Jan 02, 2022 3:07 amYes, I have started one a year or two ago, after seeing yours, but I haven't finished it yet. I keep getting disgusted with the scales I put on it. I shaped the liners and bolsters on a Canoe pattern. I need to finish it soon.OLDE CUTLER wrote: ↑Sat Jan 01, 2022 10:40 pmIf you have not done one yet, you should try doing a full shell handled conversion on one of those Imperials. I have done several Kamp Kings, Hammer cattle knives, Barlows, and stockman. It is a real blast to do the whole thing just like you want it. Basically the conversion involves making new brass liners, making and soldering on new bolsters, and rehandling with your choice of material. Lot of work, but it makes a neat customized knife. Try it you'll like it! A link to one of the ones I have done. I have 2 more Kamp Kings laying on the end of the bench until I decide how I want to do them.Reverand wrote: ↑Sat Jan 01, 2022 9:31 pm I had a couple of broken-up Imperial shell-handled knives that I thought I would experiment upon. Sometimes a strange idea pops into my head while out in the knife shop, and I have to goof off with it just to satisfy my curiosity.
Anyway, I soldered some brass plate to the scales, pinned and polished, and found myself liking the results!
1641071701608.jpg
1641071721997.jpg
The blade was from a Camper, and the frame from a Stockman, but it all fit okay. It is very slim and disappears in the pocket. In retrospect I should have paired a smaller blade along with a cap lifter, or something like that. But as I said earlier, this was just an experiment.
Still, it was easier than soldering on bolsters and adding scales to one.
I even took the leftover parts from the Camper and made me a quick Shop knife. I sharpened the punch, and it cuts well and makes a great scraper!
1641072557826.jpg
viewtopic.php?f=37&t=59087&hilit=shell+handle
Thanks for the encouragement!
