Brass guard on old Bowie fix?

[sawgrass7]

Howdy,
Apologies if this is the wrong sub-forum, I just figured that you guys would be the real pros to help me out with answers. If it needs moved, please do so.

I have an old 1960’s full tang Solingen Bowie knife with stag handle slabs, a brass double-guard with offset quillons – and 3 issues I’m looking for some help and would appreciate your experienced suggestions.

1) The lower/bottom rear-facing quillon - that should be in a balanced stylized offset “S” shape – has been bent back way too far for me to even grasp the hilt in a normal grip. Guard thickness is about .1” thick. What is the best way for me to bend it forward enough so it clears my fingers?

2) The brass guard is loose. I live in an apartment and don’t have a shop/bench tools anymore. I know nothing at all about welding but have seen some posts about JB Weld. All I would like to do is make the guard tight to the blade and have it last. And yes – I want to use this blade outdoors as a general purpose camp knife, light chopping, etc.

3) How would I go about putting a lanyard hole in the handle?

Thank you much.
sawgrass7

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

The guard should bend with gentle prying. Use a piece of wood as a pry-bar.

Depending on how loose the guard is, there are several ways of snugging it down. I assume you don't intend to disassemble the handle.
You could use cyanoacrylic ( super glue) to wick up under the guard while bracing or taping it to hold it tight in position.
JB weld would work if the gap is larger.
A wedge of thin metal pushed between the handle and guard may also work.

Putting a hole in the handle is a bigger task, and is best done by someone who has the right tools and carbide bits. A thong is not really a necessity, anyway.

 

[LRB]

Stacys suggestion is your best bet. Try and force super glue into it.