Need A Bladesmith

[tommyw1968]

I've had no luck so far...

I acquired a 5mm beltrame/Latama from another member and I'm looking to replace the bolsters and convert it to a sleek picklock similar to a Burn type. Also needs some play removed. Can anyone recommend someone to do this?
Please?

 

[Bill DeShivs]

I can do it, but can not for the life of me understand why you would want to do this.
The knife is a classic the way it is, and I think you would regret defacing it later.

 

[tommyw1968]

Bill:

Thanks for responding! I agree, it is a nice knife, but I do have two of them (and many others) and I'm looking for something customized to my taste I guess. There is some blade play already - not much, but I notice it. I was actually expecting a bit better build quality from this knife but it doesn't even lock up as well as a couple older Frank B's I have.

I was hoping to turn it into a much sleeker picklock with a fancier button, heavier bolsters with no horns (not sure if that's the right term) which blend better with the scales, and torx screws instead of pins where possible.

As horrible as this may sound to some, I frequently carry many of my knives with the exception of a couple very, very old antique folders. Some folks keep them in boxes or cases so they never get a nick; I like to use mine gently but still have something attractive to look at from time to time. The furthest I have ever gone "modifying" a knife of my own is to mirror polish a blade here or there or replace scales with something fancy where the scales were attached with screws - that's pretty much the extent of my capacity until I invest in a good belt grinder.

Is this something you might be interested in doing? Any idea what something like this might run me?

Tom

 

[tommyw1968]

I can do it, but can not for the life of me understand why you would want to do this.
The knife is a classic the way it is, and I think you would regret defacing it later.

Bill:

Thanks for responding! I agree, it is a nice knife, but I do have two of them (and many others) and I'm looking for something customized to my taste I guess. There is some blade play already - not much, but I notice it. I was actually expecting a bit better build quality from this knife but it doesn't even lock up as well as a couple older Frank B's I have.

I was hoping to turn it into a much sleeker picklock with a fancier button, heavier bolsters with no horns (not sure if that's the right term) which blend better with the scales, and torx screws instead of pins where possible.

As horrible as this may sound to some, I frequently carry many of my knives with the exception of a couple very, very old antique folders. Some folks keep them in boxes or cases so they never get a nick; I like to use mine gently but still have something attractive to look at from time to time. The furthest I have ever gone "modifying" a knife of my own is to mirror polish a blade here or there or replace scales with something fancy where the scales were attached with screws - that's pretty much the extent of my capacity until I invest in a good belt grinder.

Is this something you might be interested in doing? Any idea what something like this might run me?

Tom

 

[Rey HRH]

I can do it, but can not for the life of me understand why you would want to do this.
The knife is a classic the way it is, and I think you would regret defacing it later.

I have to say this speaks volume towards your character and integrity. A lesser person in skill or character would say, "Sure I'd do it. It's your knife and it's your money."

And it doesn't come off as being condescending either. It's a way of asking is the customer sure and what's his perspective which I think tommy explained well also.

Kudos to you, Bill.

 

[tommyw1968]

I have to say this speaks volume towards your character and integrity. A lesser person in skill or character would say, "Sure I'd do it. It's your knife and it's your money."

And it doesn't come off as being condescending either. It's a way of asking is the customer sure and what's his perspective which I think tommy explained well also.

Kudos to you, Bill.

I agree... I appreciate his candor.

 

[tommyw1968]

I can do it, but can not for the life of me understand why you would want to do this.
The knife is a classic the way it is, and I think you would regret defacing it later.

Bill:

It was great meeting you at the blade show! I'll enjoy the swinguard for years! I wanted to ask you for the name of the company you mentioned that can still make one of the latama square button knives. I write it down on a card and now I can't find it.

Tom

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Nice meeting you, too.
The company is Venier. Walt at Latama may be able to get them to build you one.
Contact him through their new web site latama.net.
There is an American cutler who can build you one that is every bit as good (actually, better) than the originals. He was at the show and you probably already know Pat.