Bringing new life to an old TL-29 using simple hand tools

What an excellent write up! I am sure this will become a reference thread for years! Keep up the good work.
 
Thanks everyone! I'm glad you guys like it! Tutorials can be some hard work, but it is very gratifying to know others are learning from my experience. I would have never been able to progress as quickly as I have without the help of a TON of online tutorials. I'm just happy that I can pay it forward!!

If you guys want to see some of my other tutorials, check out this THREAD
 
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Well, I took the plunge and pulled my knife apart tonight. I'll post pictures when it's done, assuming I ever get the thing back together. Where do you get the pins? Do you order them online, or can you buy them from a hobby store or something? Are they specifically for knives, or is it just a such and such size rod?
 
Dr.F...this thread is just fantastic - so informative - I have never had the guts to take aprt a knife like that, but boy if I ever do - I certainly know where to look now!!! Thank you kind Sir!!
 
Cory Hess said:
Well, I took the plunge and pulled my knife apart tonight. I'll post pictures when it's done, assuming I ever get the thing back together. Where do you get the pins? Do you order them online, or can you buy them from a hobby store or something? Are they specifically for knives, or is it just a such and such size rod?
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Oops, I forgot to mention the sizes on pins and drill bits. I get mine at Ace hardware or order them from Jantz Knife Supply (mods, let me know if I shouldn't be listing these vendors please)

Most knives fit 3/32" pins, and a 3/32 drill bit will also work, but what I have found with most pins is that they are never quite 3/32nds, they are mostly larger. A quick solution to fixing this issue is to chuck the pin in your drill and hold some sandpaper around it as you rotate the pin with the drill. You will want increase the grit in steps, and when you bring it down to size and sand it with your highest grit paper, the pin will be nice and smooth and be able to slide through the pin holes.
 
Great work Evan, really nicely put together thread - and knife! ;)

Jack
 
Thanks for answering, Evan. Hopefully I'll have some time to work on this some more this weekend. Taking the endcap bolsters off wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be.
 
Great thread! I can't wait for the reveal.

You did a great job explaining the process :)
 
Sooo, here she is after polishing her up with some Flitz, and a couple of coats of tung oil. What do ya think?

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And about the surprise I mentioned yesterday...

Lets turn this tutorial into a giveaway!!

I'll open this up to everyone!

If you've got 'em, post any pics you've got of knives you have modified, or have had modified by someone else. Also, any requests for future tutorials??

The winner will be selected randomly, and I'm thinkin' that I'll pick a winner around this time next Friday.

Thanks for checking out my tutorial!
 
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How does the blade on these TL-29 knives hold up compared to GEC with 1095 steel? Are there any TL-29 knives that are better than others in any way? One day I'll get one to modify, so I really appreciate that you show us how.

Posted and then I saw the pictures of the finished knife, so I had to edit my post. The finished knife looks very nice.

I'm in on the giveaway, really hope I win this, but whoever does will get a unique hand made piece. That's special.

Here's a picture of a #85 I removed the pen blade on.
 
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Not an entry, but I got to see this knife in person and it's really great. The action is very good and the blade still has plenty of life left in it!

Whoever gets this is going to be a happy camper!

I will show off a couple of my modified traditionals (all done by esnyx, of course):

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sogflash said:
How does the blade on these TL-29 knives hold up compared to GEC with 1095 steel? Are there any TL-29 knives that are better than others in any way?
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I'm actually not sure. This was the first TL-29 I've had, and I didn't really use is enough to be able to make a fair comparison. They feel pretty solid though.

I know Glennbad has modified a bunch of these, he will be able to give you a better answer!
 
esnyx said:
I'm actually not sure. This was the first TL-29 I've had, and I didn't really use is enough to be able to make a fair comparison. They feel pretty solid though.

I know Glennbad has modified a bunch of these, he will be able to give you a better answer!
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I have had great success with the Camillus TL-29's. I have done mods with Klein, Robeson, Imperial, and Queen also, but favor the Camillus by far. Good steel!!!
 
Another greatfull viewer of this excellent tutorial. A lot of work .. many thanks esnyx. Like so many others I will be adding to my projects list !
 
This is a GREAT thread, and an equally great reference. I've already bookmarked it. :thumbup:

Wanted to ask, what is the large cylindrical 'anvil' you're using under the knife? I need to find something similarly useful, if possible.
(Edit: I see you've mentioned that, as an old weight; please disregard my question above. Thanks again.)

Once again, very impressive work, Evan.


David
 
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Wow, that came out beautifully! Excellent work as always, Evan.

I wouldn't know what future tutorials to ask for, but I'd love to be considered for the giveaway. Thank you for the opportunity! I haven't modded many knives, but here's the one I did:
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I modded my GEC 85 to have an easy open notch, and turned the pen blade into a coping blade. It's not all that involved, but I was proud of the results!
 
I don't have the guts to try to do one, but i have had a couple done by Glen, one a TL-29 has became my go to EDC the other is a Barlow mod that combines old and new in a very interesting way...... I would appreciate a chance on the giveaway please. Thank you for the informative thread and the chance.

Tl-29




Old/new Barlow
 
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