A young boys knife restored almost 40 years later

[knives-are-quiet]

I used to carry this cheap two buck Imperial Barlow around when I was in Elementary school. That's when you were allowed to carry a pocket knife to school with you. Every young guy had one back then. I bought it in the local hardware in 1972 with my allowance.
It had plastic snap on scales / bolsters.
The knife brings back memories for me and had been sitting in my drawer for the past 30 or so years. I figured it disserved an upgrade and to be brought back to life.
It now has copper bolsters with mosaic bolster and pivot pins and copper liner pins made from heavy gage electrical wire.
Scales are black palm.
I also forced a patina on the blades after reworking them.
I like that antique look.
I will let the copper tarnish up on it's own.
I like this knife so much I have been carrying it around for the past 3 weeks.
All the materials on this knife were left over cut offs from previous knife repairs and restores.

knives are quiet

[theblindog]

wow! beautiful result

[trey]

That looks great.

[orvet]

Nice work k-a-q.
I could see how a guy could become attached to a knife like that.
I have several I picked up years later, and all seem to have good steel.
Mine will take a wicked edge.

I have not used copper on bolsters before.
It does give it a unique look.

[knives-are-quiet]

Nice work k-a-q.
I could see how a guy could become attached to a knife like that.
I have several I picked up years later, and all seem to have good steel.
Mine will take a wicked edge.

I have not used copper on bolsters before.
It does give it a unique look.

If you ever do decide to use copper.
It is easy to shape but will conduct and retain heat longer than other steels.
You will have to shape, sand or buff for awhile then cool with water then repeat.
They didn't cheap out on the steel with these types of knives like they did with the handles.
I burned out three drill bits even while cooling with water when I made the pivot & bloster holes larger to accept the mosaic pins.

[M1A1mstrgn]

I realize this goes back to 2011, but I'm new and just found it.

I love that you used copper. It looks great!