Ka-bar (no handle) restoration *newbie*

shamu

shamu

Joined
Jan 18, 2010
Messages
217
Hello,

New to the forum, new to the hobby...so please excuse my newbiness.

I recently got a hold of a ka-bar blade and i'm looking to start a restoration project. As a former Marine the blade is just plain cool to me :)

The blade could use some polishing/sanding. But my main concern is that it doesn't have a handle. I've checked out sites like knifekits.com (mentioned on this site), but i'm not sure thats the right solution. How can I get a handle on this darn thing?

Any ideas welcome. Thank you in advance.
 
I just did a re-handle job on an old Ka Bar....tuff to explain just how it's done, we'll have to send you a tutorial...

Try here...http://www.northcoastknives.com/northcoast_knives_tutorials_hiddentang1.htm

KaBarmod004.jpg


KaBarmod006.jpg
 
Rayban,

Are those silver "dots" on your handle simply cosmetic or do they go through the actual metal?

Also, do you have any recommendations on how to more accurately create a ka-bar handle. this would include a pommel...

That tutorial you posted helped me tremendously. Thank you again.
 
Shamu, the dots are Corby bolts that go thru the handles and the tang of the blade. The tang on Ka Bars are not hardened like the blade.
Can't help you with the pommel/rehandling the leather washer handles. I know there is a pin that goes thru the pommel and the tang.
 
If you want to duplicate the old USMC Ka-Bar look, they sell stacked leather washers at many knifemaking outlets, they shouldn't be very hard to find. The original pommels are just steel caps with a pin that goes in and locks the pommel in place, the washers need to be compressed somehow and the pommel installed for a proper fit. Once the washers are on you can tape off the guard and pommel, use a coarse sanding belt to shape the leather, and finish off with a wax, not oil.
 
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more FYI on this topic. I emailed Ka-bar re: handle replacement and received the following response:

We do sell the replacement leather rings, butt cap & pin for $ 15.00 – you will have to call 1-800-282-0130 to place your order with a VISA or MASTERCARD.
 
shamu said:
more FYI on this topic. I emailed Ka-bar re: handle replacement and received the following response:

We do sell the replacement leather rings, butt cap & pin for $ 15.00 – you will have to call 1-800-282-0130 to place your order with a VISA or MASTERCARD.
Click to expand...

Looks like the thing to do:thumbup:
 
now on to rust removal. i've tried searching the forums, and came away w/some good stuff...but not exactly what im looking for. although a separate topic, ill post here as not to become the new guy who spams the entire forum :)

Here's the blade ill be working with. I apologize for the ebay link, i dont have the knife in my custody, yet.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...0&_trksid=m38&_nkw=330395192537&_fvi=1&_rdc=1

Is electrolysis a good way to remove rust from a blade? The blade i have is covered in rust and needs a very good cleaning.

What are the steps i should take? for instance:

1. cleaning (electrolysis, brassoo, etc)
2. buffing
3. sharpening
 
Use Wd 40 and 0000 steel wool to remove active rust.
The blade will never look new-it has too many pits.
I would find a gunsmith who does Parkerizing (the original blade finish) and have him treat the blade. Do this before you attempt the handle.
 
Bill DeShivs, thank you.

i called the only place i found on google for las vegas. they said they no longer do parkerizing due to the epa, and that they can do "bluing" for $205. does this sound right?
 
For 205 I'd just buy some brownelll's oxpho blue for a few bucks and do it yourself. Way too much money for a knife, that's the price that most shops charge for a complete refinish and blue on a firearm. New kabars are just powdercoated, you can get that done almost anywhere for less than 20 bucks.
 
i was wondering about powder-coating...sounds like a good idea. or maybe i'll do the cold-bluing myself. thanks yoda.
 
That's way too much for Parkerizing. Bluing will look bad. The blade needs to be sandblasted and Parkerized. Perhaps you can find someone online. I don't do blasting, or Parkerizing.
 
ok, with that said. does anyone know of an online shop that does sandblasting and parkerizing?
 
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