Old Folder Needs HELP!!!! Project Completed.

[RubiconSS]

This is an excellent thread. It's a prime example of the quality of advice to be found here. I've already tucked it into my 'Reference' subscription folder, for future & frequent study.

Kudos to Bill DeShivs and E.K. Tryon for the collaboration. :thumbup:

X2:thumbup:

 

[E.K.Tryon]

So here is the big blade in its original condition.

I only had 800 which didn't seem to touch the grind marks, and 240 grit wet/dry paper to start. Got some 400 grit today and after about 45 minutes, this is the result. How much further should I go?

I am thinking it is good enough. I am not trying to make it look new considering the condition of the rest of the knife. Now to work to bring back the edge? Should I flaten out or reshape the edge a bit before starting to sharpen it?

 

[E.K.Tryon]

How critical is the fit on the pins/rivets? I found that a 4 penny steel box nail measured about .0825" after smoothing the burr off the shank at the head. The rivets I pulled measured about .086", the hole about .088. I'll post a photo after dinner tonight.

Also, should I put a light coat of oil on everything when I put it back together?? Worried that the rust removal with steel wool and sandpaper will cause future rust.

 

[E.K.Tryon]

It was time to start working on the scales. I tried soap and water to start and then some mineral spirits and a toothbrush. Nothing seems to work. In the process I managed to flake off a large piece of the original black "plastic" covering off the scale. So it was done to polishing them with 00 steel wool and a fine brass bristle brush.

The scales are one piece stamped so I figure I can tape off the bolsters and “finish” the center section. I would like a similar black bone look. Is there a finish/paint out there that can be applied a bit thicker and may be baked on in the oven?

I also spent a little more time on the blades with 600 wet/dry paper. I am going to pick up a buffing wheel to replace one side of my small bench grinder.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Was the scale covering wrapped around the scales?
I would use several coats of enamel, building the surface up. You can hit the tops of the "pins" with a file.

 

[E.K.Tryon]

Yes Bill, the old material was wrapped around the scale. So, plain enamel paint will last for the occasional pocket carry? I was thinking about Gun Kote or something like it, a baked on finish.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Gun Kote would hold up better. It will take several coats to match the original thickness. The original scale covers are celluloid, heat-fitted over the scales.
The rivet fit is pretty critical. You can chuck a larger nail in a drill, and file it to size.

 

[E.K.Tryon]

After spending some time on the blade edges with the Lansky sharpener, I decided to give the reassembly a try tonight. The pivot might have ended up a bit on the tight size but not so bad that I will take it apart again.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Be very careful when you install the scales. The tabs won't take much bending, before they break.

 

[E.K.Tryon]

This old two blade folder was in a collections of tools I got from my Grandfather. It's in such bad shape I am thinking about taking it completely apart to rehab and repair it back to some usable form, learning about folders at the same time.

Where do I start? I am guessing the pins will have to be ground off the scales to start taking it apart.

So here is the completed project. Can't say it's perfect. I am not completely over the moon with how the scales turned out using the Testors modeling enamel. But the knife is back to a usable condition. Bill, I can't thank you enough for all of the pointers.

 

[RubiconSS]

I think it came out Great! What a nice piece of personal History to be able to carry. I say, Great Job! Bet it was fun too.

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

That is really impressive work! :thumbup:

You've definitely made that knife your own now. Well done.

Kudos (again) to you & Bill for the tutorial. This thread's a keeper. :thumbup:

 

[Seals]

Jeezus, I haven't been this excited to see how something works out since I talked Penney Nestlerode into the backseat of my Dodge Coronet 440 in 11th grade!

Now that there is funny

 

[richard j]

you sure did a good job :thumbup:. bill is a good teacher and sure knows his stuff too

 

[Bill DeShivs]

You're welcome. I am always happy to help.
You did a good job!

 

[Seals]

That is a great job.Bill,You the man!

 

[ChapmanPreferred]

Well done.

 

[orca8589]

Great job - gives me inspiration to work on a couple of old ones I've got here.

~Chris

 

[sharpen]

I just started sharpening as a hobby, I found this thread and all I can say is WoW! I want to find an old knife and restore it, You all put you 2 cent's in and helped this guy out. good job.:thumbup:

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Make very sure the old knife is not valuable!