Imperial Jacks

C

ConBon

Joined
Jan 17, 2012
Messages
1,219
I have a new to me Frontier Jack, in carbon with what seem to be bone scales, due to the oxidation on them. All research and previous knowledfe points to derlin however. I do have a newer Diamond Edge in the exact same style and size, that I haven't yet cleaned up the blades on.
I have a few questions:
1. Is the Frontier a Swinden construction?

2. Should I clean this one up and use as is?

3. If it is not swinden, should I rescale?

4. Should I go the extra mile and use these blades to make a sheepsfoot main, pen secondary barlow? All I need to make are springs, which will take some time to get ground down to thickness, and I'll need to source a heat treatment provider.

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Connor
 
I would honestly be thrilled to use them as is. If the construction is weak, you should definitely fix that, but just let the knife be itself. I absolutely love that old Frontier, so I say just leave them as is and use them!
 
Ahhh, I didn't know Derlin oxidized like that. I think my barlow project can wait for now. I'd love to get the Frontier tightened up with a wharncliffe main. It would pair well with an opinel.

Connor
 
Welcome to the world of Imperial Frontiers. I have a few (around 135) and would like to start to say all Frontiers were made for Imperial by Camillus. So pins hold it together.
Thought I would share a picture with you. The 4" series.

 
Edbeau, let me say that my Diamond Edge jack is quite nice too. Carbon springs with a nicely treated SS blade. The snap is loud and strong like a gator, but the pull is easy and smooth. They are an excellent size for a jack, and the secondary pen is long, which I like. I'll make a few posts in the restoration thread.

Connor
 
That would be good to see the progress as you get it in shape. I don't have before and after pictures of all of my fixup knives.
 
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