Restoring an Old Scraper Knife

[TexasGator]

Hello everyone, I have some questions about restoring an old scraper. I know it isn’t a knife per say but it has many similar features like a wooden handle, brass pins and a blade of sorts.

This scraper belonged to my late father-in-law and was passed on to me upon his passing. I’d like to be able to restore it for one to honor him and second because I use it all the time.

Unfortunately the handle broke on it and am looking for some advice on how to restore it.

I am going to order some scales and was wondering if anyone could identify the species? I think it’s cherry but not certain(please see attached pics).

In addition it has a fluted pin on the bottom to hang it, does anyone know if this comes out and can be reinserted? As it looks to be countersunk into the wood.

And last, would I be able to save/conserve the top brass pin? It has the marking “Made in the USA” and I think it’d be nice to keep that element.

Thank you all in advance for your help.

 

[gpw_42]

Your pics are not visible. Good luck on the resto!

 

[TexasGator]

Your pics are not visible. Good luck on the resto!

Thank you for letting me know...but if I click them they work for me?

 

[TexasGator]

Your pics are not visible. Good luck on the resto!

Actually, it looks like I can't post images yet as I don't have the credentials.

 

[gpw_42]

Just find a few interesting threads to make comments on - it's either 5 or 10 posts to get posting "privileges." Should take 5 minutes or less, given the 3 you already have here.

 

[lilredex]

Scrapers take on many configurations, does it look like any of these?

 

[RTM]

If you click on the faint grey box at the bottom of the OPs post, you should see the putty knife shaped tool he is working on.

Hard to tell the wood from that angle, can you get a top view instead of the long angle.

Really any decent wood wood do.

Here are some vintage catalogs for ideas. Cocobolo on the bottom of the first would be sweet. First and 2nd have the same info.

https://archive.org/details/internationaltoolcataloglibrary?and[]=putty+knife&sin=

Here is 3rd direct link, rosewood, cocobolo and beechwood.
https://archive.org/details/Caverhi...Catalogue1901/page/n179/mode/2up/search/putty

 

[TexasGator]

Scrapers take on many configurations, does it look like any of these?

It's probably most similar to Skarsten 1B.

 

[TexasGator]

If you click on the faint grey box at the bottom of the OPs post, you should see the putty knife shaped tool he is working on.

Hard to tell the wood from that angle, can you get a top view instead of the long angle.

Really any decent wood wood do.

Here are some vintage catalogs for ideas. Cocobolo on the bottom of the first would be sweet. First and 2nd have the same info.

Great thanks for the recommendation. I will look into the Cocobolo. As soon as I get privileges to post more pics I will. Thanks!

 

[TexasGator]

Here are the pictures...

 

[TexasGator]

I realize now that this is probably better described as a putty knife.

 

[The Cobbler]

the hanging grommet is a pc of brass tube that was flared after assembly . it might be difficult to re use it. maybe you can buy a hobby pc of brass tube and start over .

for the rivet, I'm thinking you can carefully drill out the side that's not stamped and braze a new stud to it that can be peened over like the original

 

[JR 42]

....

 

[Robert Haas]

With all due respect. That was a throw away when it was new. I understand sentimental reasoning but restoring the equivalent of a 5 dollar tool regardless of its sentimental value is a tad crazy.

Clean it up. Polish the blade, sand the one good scale and put a nice coat of finish on it then mount it permanently on the wall over your bench.

 

[d.mcfarland]

If a comment starts with "with all due respect", you can expect something disrespectful to follow. As just happened.


TexasGator, I'd say some walnut would make good replacement handles for that, and as The Cobbler said, brass pieces will be needed as well.

Have fun and enjoy the project.

 

[MShaw]

If you are interested in replacing the tubular rivet MicroMark sells assortments of 12" lengths of thin wall brass tube. The assortment pictured below is up to 1/4" outside diameter for $20.00. They also have a larger size assortment that goes up to 1/2" diameter.

 

[TexasGator]

the hanging grommet is a pc of brass tube that was flared after assembly . it might be difficult to re use it. maybe you can buy a hobby pc of brass tube and start over .

for the rivet, I'm thinking you can carefully drill out the side that's not stamped and braze a new stud to it that can be peened over like the original

Great idea on the rivet, I will try my hand at that method. Thank you.

 

[TexasGator]

If you are interested in replacing the tubular rivet MicroMark sells assortments of 12" lengths of thin wall brass tube. The assortment pictured below is up to 1/4" outside diameter for $20.00. They also have a larger size assortment that goes up to 1/2" diameter.

Perfect, thank you for the help! I was thinking about going that route or possily cutting it and brazing it back together but just making the handle slightly thinner? I don't know, replacing may be the way to go.

 

[TexasGator]

If a comment starts with "with all due respect", you can expect something disrespectful to follow. As just happened.


TexasGator, I'd say some walnut would make good replacement handles for that, and as The Cobbler said, brass pieces will be needed as well.

Have fun and enjoy the project.

Great! Thank you for the suggestion. A $5 putty knife from days passed is probably better than more expensive ones on the market today? After all it IS just a putty knife right? It's also something I want to continue to use as stated in my op.

 

[woody 73]

Texas Grasshopper I found a few links for you to look over for wood ID (hope it helps you out some).

https://www.wood-database.com/wood-articles/wood-identification-guide/

https://www.core77.com/posts/38585/Three-Ways-to-Identify-Different-Wood-Types

http://piecesofwood.com/woods.html

https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/learn-basic-wood-anatomy/

woody

 

[steaks&anvils]

If you are interested in replacing the tubular rivet MicroMark sells assortments of 12" lengths of thin wall brass tube. The assortment pictured below is up to 1/4" outside diameter for $20.00. They also have a larger size assortment that goes up to 1/2" diameter.

The ACE hardware by me always has a good assortment of brass tubes, I use these tubes for ferrules on agate burnishers that I make. Just take the putty knife and old "tube/rivet" with you to get a good fit. The ACE Hardware tube can be a bit pricey, but you get exactly the one you want.

They also have brass rods, if you want to make a new rivet too.

A good hobby store has these too.

As for the worth of spending your time to restore this tool. It's your time, effort, and tool. You can do what you want with it. For the reasons you want. Besides, the pleasure of use and memories of your FIL can not have a price applied to them. The value of the skills you learn doing this project will help you with other restoration projects, learning and self betterment also cannot be calculated.

Aren't these things why Garage Journal exists in the first place?

 

[crguy]

If a comment starts with "with all due respect", you can expect something disrespectful to follow. As just happened.

Actually, I thought it was very well phrased. Face it - it's just a used up throw away tool. Thousands of good ones out there.

Obviously, the original owner didn't hold it in high regard as it has obviously been seriously abused.

 

[FJ 432]

Actually, I thought it was very well phrased. Face it - it's just a used up throw away tool. Thousands of good ones out there.

Obviously, the original owner didn't hold it in high regard as it has obviously been seriously abused.

Couldn't agree more.

OP...best of luck.

 

[SGKent]

So here are a few ideas.

1) drill rivet, make new handle and re-rivet it. Con: lose made in USA.

2) Cut broken handle down middle and make another same depth as the original. Drill and countersink for the rivet. Cut handle in half lengthwise, slide it under rivet and glue halves together. Stain and coat. I use the glass bead blaster on very low pressure to clean and polish the steel on something like that. You can also use a buffing wheel if you want.

3) Or like an earlier poster said - clean it up and hang it on the wall.

 

[ZRX61]

I've seen the handle repaired by removing the old fastener, then you take a piece of tube (3/8 works) & flare one end.
Countersink the new wooden handle on both sides.
Fit the tube through both pieces, trim to length & then flare the opposite end into the countersink.

 

[woody 73]

Grasshopper if you have any woodcraft stores near you or perhaps you could order it through the following link, they will have some very nice wood blanks for you to pick from:

https://www.woodcraft.com/categories/wood-blanks

Looking forward to that finished scraper knife.

 

[Robert Haas]

If a comment starts with "with all due respect", you can expect something disrespectful to follow. As just happened.


TexasGator, I'd say some walnut would make good replacement handles for that, and as The Cobbler said, brass pieces will be needed as well.

Have fun and enjoy the project.

I meant no harm. If it is a sentimental thing perhaps preserving it on a open picture frame with the name of the previous owner on a small brass plaque would be a more worthwhile project and he could buy a nice Domestic made knife to use like this one for 10 bucks

But I am sure you feel better about yourself making me look like a bad guy.

 

[TexasGator]

Texas Grasshopper I found a few links for you to look over for wood ID (hope it helps you out some).

https://www.wood-database.com/wood-articles/wood-identification-guide/

https://www.core77.com/posts/38585/Three-Ways-to-Identify-Different-Wood-Types

http://piecesofwood.com/woods.html

https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/learn-basic-wood-anatomy/

woody

Thanks Woody, I will take a look! Very helpful.

 

[PBCampbell]

An alternative to rivets might be *** bolts, chicago bolts, book binder bolts. Most of the look without the fuss for a one time project.

 

[steaks&anvils]

An alternative to rivets might be *** bolts, chicago bolts, book binder bolts. Most of the look without the fuss for a one time project.

If you can save the "made in USA" side of that rivet, you might be able to thread the shaft and use a "female" side of one of the above bolts.

use some kind of thread lock. It will get really annoying fast if it always becomes loose.

 

[2oolhound]

There are many types of people here on GJ. There are younger guys still in the work force who are go getters, time is money and there are retirees who don't give a **** about time is money and enjoy shop time more than watching tv. (I just spent 4 days beefing up a failed nearly new china floor jack worth about $60 on sale and there's a well used one on cl for $20). So what, I enjoyed the project and the jack didn't spread apart when I jacked up my vehicle like it did to the previous owner. For many of us it's the journey, not the destination. A lot of my joy comes from not having to go anywhere to get materials and being able to do quality repairs with what is at hand at little or no cost other than time.

I can totally understand the op's desire to restore the putty knife. There is no harm in pointing out the folly (financially) of the endeavour but we should stop short of ridicule for the above reasons. I've seen many excellent posts on this site from both sides guys so can we all calm down and get along now.