Repair a Camillus DEMO Knife ?

[Ungust]

Hi everyone,
I just found this site and I have a question.
Does anyone know how I can repair/replace the pins in a Viet Nam era DEMO knife? I have had it from my days in the Marine Corps. I have got it brand new in the 1970's, and I have carried it almost every day since then. But now theblades are getting loose and I do not want to get rid of it. It has been a very faithful companion these many years.
Does any one have any suggestions as to what I can do to replace the pins? Small steel rivets perhaps?

Thanks everyone. SEMPER FI!!

 

[BitingSarcasm]

Hi everyone,
I just found this site and I have a question.
Does anyone know how I can repair/replace the pins in a Viet Nam era DEMO knife? I have had it from my days in the Marine Corps. I have got it brand new in the 1970's, and I have carried it almost every day since then. But now theblades are getting loose and I do not want to get rid of it. It has been a very faithful companion these many years.
Does any one have any suggestions as to what I can do to replace the pins? Small steel rivets perhaps?

Thanks everyone. SEMPER FI!!

First off, sending it to a professional is always on the table for old knives. There's always someone more skilled who has already made the mistake you're about to make and learned from it. Second, get a couple of opinions before you actually set it down on your work bench so you can make an informed decision on an item with sentimental value. Now as for my opinion, it looks like the Demo knife is riveted, and rivets can be tightened up a bit. Set the knife on something hard that won't deform or shatter. I use a 10lb anvil for leatherworking that I do rivets on, or a bench vise has a nice flat surface. In a pinch, a sledgehammer works well an in improv anvil. Tap the face side of the rivet with a tack hammer, checking the fit every few taps. The rivet is already set so no need to mash it, and there is no way to back it off if you go too far. Work up to the right tightness, don't overdo it.

Another good thing to do is to repost your question in the Traditionals forum here. A lot of the old school knives have riveted construction and the people who frequent there will either have some good ideas for you or know who to call in for an opinion. Good luck!

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Post pictures here.
I do knife repair.
Loose pins are easily corrected as mentioned above. However WORN pins are another matter and will require a professional to correct.