Modifying Dilemma

D

dalee100

Joined
Mar 15, 2008
Messages
1,539
Hi,

I'm struggling with a collectors dilemma. To modify a knife to suit me and make it "better" by re-scaling it. Or to leave it alone and simply enjoy it for what it is.

The knife in question is just an old R.I. made Imperial peanut with genuine crimped on MOT scales. They are loose and one side has a bit of damage too. The blades are carbon steel and it has fair walk and talk. And if I modified it by putting some nice bone on it, I would carry it and use it.

One part of me says, it's damaged and is just a cheap, common knife, do what you want. But the other side says Imperial is long gone and there won't be any more. How do you guys deal with such things?

Thanks,
dalee
 
I'd go and re-handle it and carry the heck out of it. A good knife is a good knife, bottom line. Carbon blades, good walk and talk. The fact that you like the knife is heavy in favor of using it. By personalizing it with nice hadles it's even more "your" knife.

Go for it!:thumbup:
 
Do you plan on selling to make money sometime down the road? Then leave it be. Do you want a knife you can carry and be proud of, the fact it is a one of a kind adding to that pleasure? Then re-scale it.

It doesn't sound as if you have a collectors item there, only way for it to have collectors value would be if it were mint most likely. Do what makes you happy and don't worry about some guy you'll never meet 200 years from now going "why did that guy ruin this knife?".
 
use it and pass it along to somebody when the time is right, if you like the knife then do it.
I Rehandled an old Dunlap Cattleman last year that was my Grandads the cell scales had completely disintegrated, now she's pretty and usable again:thumbup:
ivan
 
Dalee, could you perhaps post a photo ? If it's a shell handle, there's not a lot you can do with it...
 
dalee100 said:
I'm struggling with a collectors dilemma. To modify a knife to suit me and make it "better" by re-scaling it. Or to leave it alone and simply enjoy it for what it is.

The knife in question is just an old R.I. made Imperial peanut with genuine crimped on MOT scales.
Click to expand...

I'd modify it and use it. That knife is not going to appreciate much in value on the collector's market. A) They're cheap user knives (hey, don't get me wrong - I love cheap user knives!), and B) it's in rough shape.
 
If you're going to use it, do whatever is necessary to make it more "usable."

If it's going to be cataloged into a collection/accumulation, I'd leave it alone.
 
Hi


It is a shell type scale d. parker. I've got a couple of ideas on how to work around that.

It's actually a Colonial, not that makes too much difference. It's still not a valuable piece. I bought it 'cause I felt sorry for it. And I have a low taste in cheap knives. You know how that goes.:D

The damage isn't so much, but the loose scales bother me and I don't like feel of plastic. But to change it, would some how remove it's character and lineage. Crap, I've got head problems don't I!

Here's a couple of photos:

100_5864.jpg


100_5871.jpg


100_5876.jpg


dalee
 
...crimped on MOT scales.
Click to expand...

OK, this is killing me. What the heck is MOT?

Obviously it's a clever way of saying "plastic," but I cannot figure out the initials...

8,000 posts and I still have much to learn. :D

-----------------

I like the way that knife looks. Apply a drop of superglue to keep the loose scale from moving and you're all set. :thumbup:
 
dalee100 said:
But to change it, would some how remove it's character and lineage.
Click to expand...

Knives don't get character just sitting around, they get it from being used. If replacing the scales on that knife is going to get it used, do it. The new scales become part of the story. In 20 years do you want this to be a collectible with marginal value, or a tool with some of yourself rubbed off on it?
 
Here's my suggestion. Take a small thin narrow screw driver and pry the tabs up on one end. The other end should slip off and the shell handles will be off. Epoxy what ever kind of scales covers you want to use to the (scales) liners, and shape them to your liking. Be sure your blades are good tight, now is the time to tighten your pivot if needed. I don't think you will hurt the value of the knife what ever you decide to do.. Just my opinion..:)
 
d.parker said:
Here's my suggestion. Take a small thin narrow screw driver and pry the tabs up on one end. The other end should slip off and the shell handles will be off. Epoxy what ever kind of scales covers you want to use to the (scales) liners, and shape them to your liking. Be sure your blades are good tight, now is the time to tighten your pivot if needed. I don't think you will hurt the value of the knife what ever you decide to do.. Just my opinion..:)
Click to expand...

Hi,

Yep, that's what I was thinking of doing.

artmichalek, I think that's what I needed to hear. A knife that doesn't get used withers and dies. Thanks to all you guys! Sometimes I get a liitle hung up in the head over the silliest things.:o

Now, what to choose! I got walnut, oak, cherry, maple, some deer antler, and I think there is some old bone around here some place. Micarta? Carp, more complications!

Thanks!
dalee
 
dalee100 said:
artmichalek, I think that's what I needed to hear. A knife that doesn't get used withers and dies. Thanks to all you guys! Sometimes I get a liitle hung up in the head over the silliest things.:o
Click to expand...

If only I could convince myself. I'm on the verge of ripping the barnboard off of a brand new Case 154CM Barlow. I've always been more of a user than a collector, but it's still a scary thought.
 
Definately rehandle it is my vote too. I know imperial is long gone and I collect them but you can still pick them up for fairly cheap on flea bay. Just my 2 cents - Joel
 
I would re-handle it if it were mine and I had the materials around that you seem to. It will make it more usable, attractive, and distinct. After all, it was made as a cheap user knife. Why not improve it?

I have a Camillus 67 stockman that I am thinking of doing a scale replacement on and it is in worse shape than your Colonial. If I had the new scale materials on hand, I would probably have done the replacement already.
 
Is there a full-time, prestigious knifemaker that would take up the job of re-handling Victorinox pocket knives? If so, would you please let me know who he (or they) might be? Thank you.
 
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