Any knifemaker / restorers out there ?

[John Timmins]

I want to restore my grandfather's meat cleaver. I'll get the rust off and reuse the wood handles. The handles are attached with 2 brass pins. It would appear that the handles were put in place with the brass pins and peened and then the handle getting a final sanding making the pins flush ??? The pins show no evidence of getting pounded on. I need advise how to replace those pins and where to get them. I might just get a length of brazing rod 3/16 diameter if I have to.

 

[steaks&anvils]

The rivets are called "cutlery rivets".

 

[Maui]

You can drill the riverts out to remove the handle material.

 

[Nutria]

The 3/16" brazing rod should work well. Some 1/8" rod stock would work well too. As you say, gently peen, file/sand, and you should be good to go.

 

[RTM]

I've heard of people using both cutlery rivets, or brass rod, depending on skill level. The rod takes a bit more skill, from what I've heard, never done it.

 

[seber]

I make knives with stone handles. For those I use brazing rod or copper tubing and epoxy. Cutlers rivets work without the epoxy. Peening is not done on knives. Although I do know of one knifemaker whos spins the end of his rivets.

 

[Nutria]

Many knowledgeable people say to leave the cut sections of rod proud of the scales by the diameter of the rod on both sides. For me (low skill level) I've been happier with leaving the rod only ~1/16" proud. Less chance of bending, and less material to remove.

 

[boyleged]

I use copper or brass rod and tend to get the handles close to size so I can slightly counterbore the thru holes. Let me know if you need some more pointers, I've restored about 2 dozen rusty knives

 

[Nutria]

I make knives with stone handles. For those I use brazing rod or copper tubing and epoxy.

It does seem that a majority of folks are skipping the peening in favor of glue.

 

[LeahRoberts]

My grandfather was engaged in the restoration of knives, and not only.If you are interested in how this is easiest to do, I can write a couple of options.Everything is much simpler than you described.

 

[John Timmins]

My grandfather was engaged in the restoration of knives, and not only.If you are interested in how this is easiest to do, I can write a couple of options.Everything is much simpler than you described.

Yes ! Please write a few pointers. I'm reusing my wood handles at are OK. It is mostly a get rid of the rust project and shining it up. My next project will have a handle from a frozen tree. My friend, a gold miner in Alaska, thaws tundra. The trees have been frozen 20,000 years

 

[FMB4]

Both peened rods and cutlery rivets can take some time to learn (trial and error). If you take either 'on' yourself, then consider getting some practice on stuff you don't care much about. Btw, there or lots of videos out there on this. Be sure to post some pics of your work.

Also keep in mind that original patina is often highly sought after on older/antique edged and non edged stuff. Simply rubbing the steel, metal, etc, down with something like mineral oil is sometimes that better thing to do. Note: and no, I don't always follow this advice.

 

[Voi]

My grandfather was engaged in the restoration of knives, and not only.If you are interested in how this is easiest to do, I can write a couple of options.Everything is much simpler than you described.

I'm going to piggy back onto this thread if the OP John Timmins doesn't mind.

My 12 year old has gotten into spear fishing this summer and has also started cleaning trash out of the lake.

He has found four knives. Two were fillet knives that needed nothing more than a wash and sharpening. Then there are these two that he has expressed an interest in restoring.

He understands that they are cheap knives and the only value is in the story. He would like to make the Runnings lock blade into a user and the multi blade pocket knife into something he can show friends or display in his room with before, during and after restoration pictures. He is not expecting either of them to be show pieces.

Any advice appreciated.

 

[FMB4]

That upper knife, as long as it still has a strong/safe lock back, looks pretty good (clean lube, sharpen, and use). The other knife is way gone. I'd start by soaking it in 50/50 water and vinegar for several days (and hope that the solution doesn't damage/destroy the handle scales (which are most likely man made). I don't recognize any brand/era on the shape of the lower tool. Could an old 'keeper' for the sake of it, or a newer entry level tool curio. Anyway, glad to see that your young son is interested in 'prospecting' so to say.

 

[John Timmins]

Now that I know they are called cutlery rivets and there's some YouTubes I'll check them out. I can post here from the desktop but can't get on GJ on my phone yet. I'll get a picture or two before long. Thanks everybody !

 

[RTM]

I don't know that either of those knives will be worth the effort. The top looks like a cheap chinese made knife, good to practice on, but still won't be a great knife when he's finished. The bottom is beyond basket case IMO, If the blade is that gone, the mechanism to keep it open is probably shot too. Again, might be nice to practice derusting, and if there is enough left, resharpen. I don't know that there is enough metal to try vinegar on. Maybe Evaporust, which doesn't eat away the good metal.

good luck to him.