All About Pocket Knives

My first try at at a kit from Rough Ryder. Messed up some pins so used some shafts from rivets.got rid of most of excess epoxy. Been trying to peen rivets using vise grips as a anvil. Looks rough and blade is dull as %$$÷..using a dremel for grinding polishing. Let me have your thoughts on it.

Oldknife77 wrote: ↑Wed Jul 09, 2025 2:06 pm My first try at at a kit from Rough Ryder. Messed up some pins so used some shafts from rivets.got rid of most of excess epoxy. Been trying to peen rivets using vise grips as a anvil. Looks rough and blade is dull as %$$÷..using a dremel for grinding polishing. Let me have your thoughts on it.

You definitely need a better anvil. Many people use a stiddy, kind of spendy though. I have used this 5 inch long piece of 3 inch rail for years.

Pics for my post

Do you have another one lined up to assemble?

Oldknife77 wrote: ↑Wed Jul 09, 2025 2:06 pm Looks rough ... Let me have your thoughts on it.

It does look rough. If you grind the pin heads down almost flush and then sand the whole thing, handles and bolsters, that will probably help. I agree with Old Cutler that you need a better anvil. Just about every vise will have a mini anvil surface, sufficient for pocket knife work. Take a look at this thread for ideas.
https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/kn ... hp?t=84612
For me, first efforts are always pretty time consuming and not always successful. The next kit will probably go a lot better.

Did more grinding on the pins. Buffed some with 800 grit brush wheel. Looks presentable i believe right now.the kit is rated advanced skills. But I'm considering myself beginner level. There's a gap on the one side when looking at lock release. Load up the remarks cannon and fire away.

These are some knife kits I put together and a few name brand knives I rehandled. They can be fun to
work with.

dlr110 wrote: ↑Sun Jul 13, 2025 12:17 am These are some knife kits I put together and a few name brand knives I rehandled. They can be fun to
work with.

20210325_152743.jpg20210605_144622.jpg20210610_103015.jpg20250125_095936.jpg

Very nice, David! I particularly like the lock back. Second from the top in your second picture but they all look great!

Oldknife77 wrote: ↑Sat Jul 12, 2025 11:14 pm Did more grinding on the pins. Buffed some with 800 grit brush wheel. Looks presentable i believe right now.the kit is rated advanced skills. But I'm considering myself beginner level. There's a gap on the one side when looking at lock release. Load up the remarks cannon and fire away.

Hey, I find knife kits to be fun! I bought one from Bear & Son last year, but haven't put it together yet. I have built one Rough Ryder kit with my Dad, and we both enjoyed it.

Getting that pivot pin to "disappear" can be beyond the ken of mortal men, sometimes. If it is secure, then you did well. Personally I might sand the corners off those wood handles. Not for looks, as your knife looks good, but I believe that it would be more comfortable in the hand with smooth rounded handles. But that is up to you. I like your knife!

Couldn't find railroad section near me but this should be a
Good addition to my little work area,small enough to move as needed. Got it off Amazon.

doglegg wrote: ↑Wed Jul 09, 2025 7:27 pm Do you have another one lined up to assemble?

Think I'll try a Barlow 2 bladed verson.

Oldknife77 wrote: ↑Mon Jul 14, 2025 4:43 am

doglegg wrote: ↑Wed Jul 09, 2025 7:27 pm Do you have another one lined up to assemble?

Think I'll try a Barlow 2 bladed verson.

I look forward to hearing about the process and seeing the finished product.

What I went with as my next project is from EZSMITH. Bear claw trapper. 2 blades so more like lot more cussing. Lining up the pins, holes and all the hardware items etc. pic is snapshot of item coming later on this week

Got my small paper weight I mean anvil today. About the right sz for doing knife kits. Peeled rivets on my knife. Has anyone used 1/16 brass rods to replace pins on knifes.

Oldknife77 wrote: ↑Wed Jul 16, 2025 12:45 am Got my small paper weight I mean anvil today. About the right sz for doing knife kits. Peeled rivets on my knife. Has anyone used 1/16 brass rods to replace pins on knifes.

I keep some 1/16" brass on hand. I bought some locally that is so soft it wants to bend and fold instead of peen. It is almost like using lead wire. Most that I have works great.