How to remove my knife handles

[Sabatier Ami]

I have a Sabatier French Carbon Steel Kitchen knife that is almost 50 years old. Over the years it has had a bit of wear and tear (OK, abuse.). The wooden handle is separating from the hasp. It is held in place by three brass rivets.

There is corrosion inside and I want to remove the handles to remove it and reassemble it. I don't know if I merely need to bang on the rivet to push it through or if I need to do something else.

I don't believe I can post a photo here . Any advice is appreciated.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

They are probably cutler's rivets. These can not be pounded out. They must be drilled carefully in the center with a drill bit that is about 1/8" or slightly larger.
Research cutlers rivets to see how they are made. The heads are larger than the shank. The shank on the female one is hollow and the male is hammered into the female.

 

[Spideyjg]

+1 to everything Bill said. If the wood is bad off you would have to replace the scales.

Hopefully they come off intact to replicate them.

Jim

 

[Sabatier Ami]

Thank you both. I looked up the rivets. I'm familiar with them but not by name. And I didn't know what good knife manufacturers use.

Sometimes it's worth time to tinker with something, but I'm going to find a professional to fix this one. The wood appears to be ok, but there's been rust underneath, and other things have fallen in. At the very least it will need to be taken apart, cleaned, sanded, re-riveted, and epoxied again Appreciate the advice.