steady rest

[cgwbear]

hi folks, i'm trying to fix some of my old pocket knives, and i was using some info from ben kelley's book on pocketknife repair. he shows a "steady rest". is there some way to get won of these? or an option to this particular design? he casually mentions having one made in a machine shop. i don't know if he has been to so cal, but the machinist here would "work me up an estimate", and i would take out a loan to have one made. any help would be appreciated. thanks, b

 

[Bill DeShivs]

I can't find Ben's book right now. Can you describe the tool?

 

[cgwbear]

hi, it is like a small anvil w/ very precise features for repairing pocket knives........b

 

[cgwbear]

well, i'll try another approach: what do you all use to hold the pocket knife (mainly slip joint) real steady while you peen the pins, and use the spacer while you tap the pins so that the blades will open smoothly and straight. thanks.............b

 

[Bill DeShivs]

I use a small steel bench block with a slot, and several holes.
A modified drill press vise will work as well.