Author Topic: Need help to get scales off handle (Read 577 times)

RaySendero · « **on:** April 05, 2005, 03:08:36 PM »

Purchased a broken knife last month at gun show. The blade is broken off but the handle and beautiful stag scales are in tack!

Each scale looks to be held on with two 1/32" diameter steel pins. Believe these pins are made or connected fast to the knife handle. Then two small holes were drilled into the scales. The scales were slipped onto the pins. Then the pins were pressed or hammered to widen the tips so as to hold the scales on.

Phew....Don't usually type that much!

How do I get the scales off with out damage?

Rustyinfla · « **Reply #1 on:** April 06, 2005, 08:27:21 PM »

I'd use a center punch to dimple the center of the pin so the drill bit won't drift, then drill the pins slightly to get rid of the portion that is peened out. Then I would swish the handle around in a pot of boiling water to soften any epoxy that was used and while everything is still hot dry to very lightly drift the pins out. Go a little at a time and use a smallish hammer.

Rusty <><

Joel · « **Reply #2 on:** April 07, 2005, 05:19:01 AM »

Sounds like a good plan to me. You don't say how wide the pins are. If they're 3/32" or less, that's going to be some delicate work. A larger pin shouldn't be too difficult to do. If the pins ARE small, and you intend to put them on another knife, then you have some room for slop; you can go to another, larger size like 1/8" with no problem. Stag is pretty soft stuff, so you need to be careful, as I'm sure you realize.

RaySendero · « **Reply #3 on:** April 19, 2005, 04:41:31 PM »

Thanks guys.

I'm planning on trying your suggetion - Just in the process of moving across town and have not had time to put into this project yet. :cry: