Leather handle eaten by packrats.

[Bill Sanders]

Friend gave me a knife, made by Ontario. It's a kabar style knife, that he found in the woods while hunting. The leather handle has been chewed on by pack rats and is pretty much shot. The rest of the blade is in good shape. I want to replace the leather, maintaining the classic look. The leather part is not likely that hard, just stacking leather washers. The part I need to sort out is, how to get the butt cap pin out. Hammered on it for a bit, with no results. Should I resort to a drill?

 

[David Martin]

It should have moved using a narrow punch. Since it didn't then you have to resort to the vise and drill press. Did you try soaking it in Break Free? DM

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Leather replacement handles are available from Ontario Knife or Cutco.

 

[Bill Sanders]

Got the pin out. Had to partially drill a bit of one side. New leather from KABAR is here, just need to glue and clamp things, and make a new butt cap pin from some steel rod.