Un-pinning a Native

[Wallaby7747]

So I am a HUGE fan of the original native but not a fan of the FRN handles in the slightest. So my ideal knife would be an original Native blade with g10/micarta scales on it. I was wondering if any of you have heard of someone un-pinning a spyderco knife and swapping it to screw together with any success?

 

[psquared]

Getting a replacement pivot is going to be your challenge. I would not bet on the pivot in the Endura / Delica parts kit fitting as it doesn't fit on a Lum Chinese and (I think) they come from the same factory.

My quest to unpin a Centofante 3 is indefinitely on hold for this reason.

 

[Barman1]

Pivots can be found from a few online knife supply sites.
I suppose the most difficult part is grinding the pin off and drilling for the larger pivot. A carbide bit will be required. By the time it's all said and done there will be as much invested in the knife as buying a new one. But it'll be custom!

 

[Wallaby7747]

My whole reason for wanting it is that a native (non ffg) without FRN scales would be my perfect knife.

 

[The Deacon]

It has been done with other models, no reason it could not be done with the Native. But, if you want G-10 scales, it's a bit more complex than just "unpinning" it. The FRN handle is one piece so, in addition to new scales, you will need to fabricate a new backspacer/spring carrier. Not impossible, but it does add to the cost and complexity of the project. STR doesn't do it anymore but, as an example, I had him rebuild the PE Atlantic Salt pictured below a few years ago. It has birdseye maple scales over titanium liners and a titanium backspacer...

The alternative would be keeping an eye on the Exchange and eBay and waiting for one of the original unlined blue G-10 Natives, or the unlined black G-10 ones with the rather hideous "shell" inlays, to show up. Some of the blue ones have BladeForums Forum Knife markings, but some do not.

 

[dalefuller]

Years ago, I sent a Native 1 to Chase Axinn of Chax Knives. He laminated G10 directly onto the FRN scales without removing pins or pivot. It held up very well for me. In fact, it's in Alaska now being used by a buddy. It looked similar to a slipjoint when he finished. No screws, pins or pivot showing, but a very solid little folder. The G10 had no impact on blade centering or action, it was the same after as before.

 

[Wallaby7747]

Figure ill resurrect my own thread as I am still wondering if anyone else has personally done this with any pinned knives that can share their experiences.

 

[phillipsted]

I tried this once with a pinned Pacific Salt. This is a tough upgrade to perform and requires a lot of skill and patience. I ruined the PacSalt and ended up building a new handle for the blade - so now I have my very own limited edition PacSalt Fixed Blade...

I've done a lot of modding work over the years - but it will take a lot more practice to become proficient at this...

Oh, and Barman, one of the most dangerous things you can do with your drill press is to widen the pivot hole in a hardened steel blade. No matter what kind of bit you use, it wants to catch the steel and convert the entire drill press into the "whirling helicopter of death." Not recommended...

TedP

 

[The Deacon]

Figure ill resurrect my own thread as I am still wondering if anyone else has personally done this with any pinned knives that can share their experiences.

You might want to contact STR, who did that Atlantic Salt of mine and who has his own Forum in the knifemakers area here. AFAIK, he doesn't do work like that anymore, but he should be able to give you a really good idea as to the feasibility of doing what you're looking to do yourself, or be able to recommend someone with the skill to do it for you.