All About Pocket Knives

I have a couple of these knives where the cellulose has decomposed. However, I do like the carbon steel blades that can be sharpened really well.

Is it possible to replace the cellulose with a timber or wooden handle.

I fully realise the the celllose wraps over stamped steel " formers" but envisage that I may be able to remove them and use a new set of liners and new bolsters.

Have any of you blokes seen that or better still have you done that ?

Cheers Ozwelder

Replacement of celluloid covers with other materials is commonplace. From your description it sounds as if your knives have what is called “shell” construction (stamped metal coated with celluloid, paint, or other material, and attached by metal tabs). Replacing those is a different process than replacing covers that have conventional pinned-on covers. More info, and posts from those who do that kind of work can be found in the Knife Repair and Restoration forum https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/kn ... m.php?f=37. An example https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/kn ... hp?t=83092

Ken

If you're looking to replace the celluloid film covers that can be found on shell construction knives, craft vinyl works well. Easier than a full conversion.

Ozwelder wrote: ↑Wed Jan 22, 2025 2:07 am I have a couple of these knives where the cellulose has decomposed. However, I do like the carbon steel blades that can be sharpened really well.

Is it possible to replace the cellulose with a timber or wooden handle.

I fully realise the the celllose wraps over stamped steel " formers" but envisage that I may be able to remove them and use a new set of liners and new bolsters.

Have any of you blokes seen that or better still have you done that ?

Cheers Ozwelder

I have done some of the conversions on shell handled knives, and it is a lot of work for a knife that is not worth a whole lot. I have not tried the other method mentioned above, but it looks interesting.

OLDE CUTLER wrote: ↑Wed Jan 22, 2025 1:32 pm

Ozwelder wrote: ↑Wed Jan 22, 2025 2:07 am I have a couple of these knives where the cellulose has decomposed. However, I do like the carbon steel blades that can be sharpened really well.

Is it possible to replace the cellulose with a timber or wooden handle.

I fully realise the the celllose wraps over stamped steel " formers" but envisage that I may be able to remove them and use a new set of liners and new bolsters.

Have any of you blokes seen that or better still have you done that ?

Cheers Ozwelder

I have done some of the conversions on shell handled knives, and it is a lot of work for a knife that is not worth a whole lot. I have not tried the other method mentioned above, but it looks interesting.

Yeah, they can be a bit of work. The biggest factor is getting the handle tabs pried loose and bent back down without breaking them. It can be done of course but I personally haven’t had a lot of success with them. The craft vinyl process listed above seems like the way to go.
Jeff

ThatWeirdKnifeGuy wrote: ↑Wed Jan 22, 2025 1:25 pm If you're looking to replace the celluloid film covers that can be found on shell construction knives, craft vinyl works well. Easier than a full conversion.

I have painted some shell handles, but never tried the vinyl. Those look really great! Are they glued on?

Reverand wrote: ↑Thu Jan 23, 2025 2:07 am

ThatWeirdKnifeGuy wrote: ↑Wed Jan 22, 2025 1:25 pm If you're looking to replace the celluloid film covers that can be found on shell construction knives, craft vinyl works well. Easier than a full conversion.

I have painted some shell handles, but never tried the vinyl. Those look really great! Are they glued on?

The vinyl is adhesive backed. Some is stick on just like a big sticker. Cut to size and stick it on, leaving enough excess to wrap under. Other varieties are heat-transfer. Those are meant to be applied to fabric in a heat press. They're more difficult to work with, but stick better if you can get them to work for you. I use a heat gun. For some colors I have a clear vinyl I'll layer on top. It gives a textured look and extra durability. Its actually a product for patching holes in tents.