Case Barlow Repair - 1965-69

[Slice-and-dice]

Hi Folks,
Been buying old knives (50+yrs old) lately and just purchased an old Case Barlow # 62009 1/2 that will have meaning to a family member. Only problem, the reverse side scales have pieces broken off (see pic). Any suggestions on how a modestly inept, uh I mean, mechanically challenged dude could repair/fill in these scale gaps? Don't have a lot of fancy equipment. I'm comfortable cleaning, sharpening blades, lightly polishing bolsters, etc but no clue how to make the bone scale look better and fill in the gaps. Doesn't need to be perfect, just clean and functional. Thanks for any suggestions.

https://flic.kr/p/2oXUt9P

https://flic.kr/p/2oXT75H

 

[GaiusJulius]

Hi Folks,
Been buying old knives (50+yrs old) lately and just purchased an old Case Barlow # 62009 1/2 that will have meaning to a family member. Only problem, the reverse side scales have pieces broken off (see pic). Any suggestions on how a modestly inept, uh I mean, mechanically challenged dude could repair/fill in these scale gaps? Don't have a lot of fancy equipment. I'm comfortable cleaning, sharpening blades, lightly polishing bolsters, etc but no clue how to make the bone scale look better and fill in the gaps. Doesn't need to be perfect, just clean and functional. Thanks for any suggestions.

https://flic.kr/p/2oXUt9P

https://flic.kr/p/2oXT75H

Proper repair would involve finding a similar slab of dyed red bone (or two of them for a perfect match) and replacing the covers, which involves disassembly and re-riveting of the knife and is probably not a task for the faint of heart. If you are keen to give it a go I’d practice on some junk knives first.

 

[RickHuf]

That is some gorgeous color!

I'll tell you what I would do, then these more exlerienced fellas can tell you why I'm wrong.

If you were not going to take it apart and recover it, you may try making a form with paper and tape around the knife, then filling the gap with resin. Just make sure there is no way the resin can get into the knife or springs.

After it cures you can shape sand and buff.

I dunno, that bone looks like it's been like that for a long time. Might just enjoy that one as is.

 

[dundak]

Might want to send it back to Case. Fill out the form and get a quote. The bone might not match but they do good work.

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

That bone is gorgeous. Even with the missing pieces, I'd be extremely reluctant to try replacing all of it, for fear of getting something that may never look quite as good as the original. It looks as if even the broken edges of the bone have been pocket-worn and smoothed, over who knows how many years. That adds something special to the character of a 50+ year-old knife.

Maybe filling in with resin of a matching color, as suggested before, might be an option. Even then, I wouldn't rush into that without first being sure the method is bulletproof. Might wait for some of the forum's knifemaker/craftsmen to chime in, for advice and/or professional assistance on that.

 

[screened porch]

If I can pour epoxy to patch a handle, and I can, the method is bulletproof. Dye the epoxy with paint or colored chalk.
I use tape for a dam, which also protects the springs.

Disclaimer: Don't try this at home!

 

[Slice-and-dice]

Anyone ever try fitting in pieces of wood or other material with glue and staining/painting to match?

 

[Will Power]

I think the resin pouring idea is the most feasible. You won't find a bone slab that will look anything like the mark side's and the whole knife will need dismantling- never a very good idea with an old knife, could wreck the whole action.

Would not send it to CASE either. Yes they'll fix it and in a timely manner but their modern stock will not compliment the other side, or they may replace everything and that bone is very desirable.

Wood fitting is going to be very challenging and it won't look at home. Perhaps glennbad or J jsdistin would like to give their opinion ?

 

[Slice-and-dice]

I think the resin pouring idea is the most feasible. You won't find a bone slab that will look anything like the mark side's and the whole knife will need dismantling- never a very good idea with an old knife, could wreck the whole action.

Would not send it to CASE either. Yes they'll fix it and in a timely manner but their modern stock will not compliment the other side, or they may replace everything and that bone is very desirable.

Wood fitting is going to be very challenging and it won't look at home. Perhaps glennbad or J jsdistin would like to give their opinion ?

Thanks for the advice Will, its appreciated