Is it possible to remove a corby?

[schmittie]

I have a 3rd gen Koster bushcraft that I would like to reshape the handle on. It has two ss corby bolts. They are my biggest concern with shaping the micarta scales. Is there any way to remove them? Do you have any tips for shaping them along with the micarta? Thanks!

 

[mgysgthath]

It would help to list what sort of knife making tools you have at your disposal. I'm no expert with corbys, but the only method I can think of would ruin the corbys; aside from using a sharp ceramic belt and shaping handle and bolt at the same time.
The method that comes to mind is drilling two small holes on the outer rim of the corby on each side, and use 2 pins in the holes to grip on and unscrew them. I have not tested that method.. so hopefully someone more experienced will chime in.

 

[Carl_First_Timer]

Using a file to remove any material from the corbys should work just fine, and use whatever other method for shaping the handles you were planning on using.

 

[Chris Pierce]

If you're using a belt sander to shape the handle you shouldn't have any trouble shaping the bolts along with the micarta. Just don't get the bolts too hot or you'll burn the handles.

If you don't have a belt sander, a file and sand paper will work. Just more slowly.

 

[watercrawl]

Just remember if you use a belt grinder/sander that if you're not using the platen to shape, the belt will wrap around the Corby's and leave them proud of the surrounding wood. Especially true if you use J-flex belts. When I'm around the Corby's with a belt grinder, I really try to stay on the platen as much as possible.

 

[schmittie]

What I have for shaping is a Delta 1x30 and of course sandpaper and files. I'll give it a shot. Thanks

 

[Salem Straub]

Also, if you take too much material off of the surface of the Corbys, the cores may start to show through.

I've removed corbys cleanly by drilling, but it seems that in this case leaving them in and shaping the grip as a whole will be the correct choice. Files will work.

 

[sisk61]

I Had the same problem with my koster bushcrafter. I just used a belt sander at first. and that worked perfectly, but then i tried a few files that i had just because i didnt to screw anything up with the belt sander. the files worked fine too.