Advice needed on re-handling these..........

[COSMO]

These are the flea market finds that I would like to restore. I would like to put new handles on the top two knives, I may leave the bottom one in vintage condition, and just touch up the handle. what is the best way to remove the se handles? Also, I have never worked with those brass pins. How do I get them out, and do I re-use them or find some other way to secure the handles? Any input appreciated

Thanks

Cosmo

 

[Spideyjg]

Those will be cutlers rivets, look them up. You would need to drill out the center to remove them preferably use a drill press. If you are lucky you will drill off the female rivet head and may be able to knock the male out.

Are they cracked? I fix stuff like this up all the time and you would be surprised what some soap and elbow grease can resolve. Dremel polisher for the rivet heads. The wood would then need to be oiled and treated.

 

[COSMO]

Spideyjg:

Thanks, that was very helpful. So now I at least know what I am dealing with. I did consider just sanding and fixing up the existing handles, but the condition is poor. There are cracks, chips and in spots space between the wood and the tang. I also want to bring the metal back up to a nice look, which will much easier and quicker with the handles off. Any other tips you have are appreciated.
Cosmo

 

[Bill DeShivs]

If you aren't saving the handles, you can grind the rivet heads off.

 

[thebrain]

I have worked a putty knife in under the scale and pried them apart, most of the time they don't really have much holding power.