Does anyone kow??

[ChicoMike]

I recently acquired a Harley Davidson 903 Bowie in the wood display box. Both the top and bottom are solid wood. The hinges, referred to as barb hinges had split the back of the box. I made repairs and was going to refinish but!!! I,m afraid I will mess it up.
I cannot figure out how to remove the felt covered form fitted mold in the box. It is glued in and when trying to loosen it I heard what sounded like a tear so I quit.
I live near Knoxville, TN and have checked all over for someone to repair and refinish the box but they all say that can't. I know how to do new hinges and clasps but the refinish is ???
So does anyone know:
Where I might send this for repair and make it look perfect again.
Any idea as to how to make or buy material or forms the formed foam pad insert to fit the knife?
Or any place I might get a new box.
The inside measurements are 18" long 4 9/16th wide. The bottom is 1" deep and the top is 3/4" deep. I have attached a few pictures.
Thanks for any help. This is a Birthday gift for my son who just this year bought a a Harley motorcycle.
BCCI LIFE
BF GOLD
VVA LIFE
DVA LIFE
CONTRIBUTOR TO WOUNDED WARRIOR PROGRAM

 

[The Zieg]

Hard to tell from the photos, but my first inclination is to say not to replace the felt/velour lining. You can re-cover it with new, but that never turns out as well in enclosed areas like a presentation box. Instead, you need a stiff-bristled brush (a VERY stiff toothbrush, new of course) to go over the matted-down spots to give them a bit of the nap they have lost. This will not restore it, just give it a bit more life. You can also go over the rest of the lining for the same effect.

The wood looks ok, but should be oiled. I would use a liquid furniture polish or linseed oil or some penetrating oil like tung oil to give it the life it needs. Areas that have cracked may swell back to a better match once the wood has absorbed the oil. Several light coats, not one big one. Be careful not to get the oil on the lining. You might just find that you don't need to redo the hinges (though it seems now I look that you've removed them, that's OK, you said you know how to replace them). If you use linseed, wait until completely dry (couple of days in a dry climate, three or four in humid), light grit sand, and another light coat. Repeat until you like it.

I think it's nicer than you think. If you want to sand it before putting oil on it, just use a very fine grit so you don't leave any marks. Damp cloth wipe the wood, let it dry. This will prepare the wood to take the oil. It will turn out great! And remember, if it looks antique, so much the better! It's not brand new and it shouldn't look brand new. It should look old and cared for, just like your son's old man!

Zieg

 

[300Bucks]

Mike,
I have very little experience with Buck boxes. But, a lot with wood. I agree with Zieg, first refinish the box. Try some of his ideas for the cloth. Then decide if it is OK. Don't tear out insides till you get the outside fixed up and ponder the next step. Here is the best piece of advice I can give you, go slow. Think before you act.

If you can't live with what you got, I will bet the foam is glued down with the cloth folded in and maybe under. Maybe someone has done one of these and will speak up. I have no doubt you can gut the inside of the box, get some good closed cell foam and find some velvet or velvet-teen and redo that also. Sometimes they use a razor blade in a soldering iron to cut that foam stuff. You just carve out a "knife hole". Anyway if that sounds like too much, I understand, no way can I work on vehicle transmissions , so I won't even try. If you had more time you never know, a box may turn up.

I bet you can find a HD coin or pin to fit inside also.
300