TL-29 mods thread... Let's put 'em here

[Jeffinn]

Another Camillus.
Converted to an easy open jack with new rear bolsters, grooved front and rear bolsters and amber wormgroove handles.

[Meridian_Mike]

It's a beauty Jeff!
I LOVE the bone!
Great job with the easy open grooves!
(You want to tell me how you did that?)
The bolsters look exceptionally nice!

This one is a FIRST CLASS DOLL!!

TWO thumbs up!

[orvet]

Nice job Jeff, I love the bolsters, especially the front one! The easy open is a nice addition as well.
Good work!

[Jeffinn]

It's a beauty Jeff!
I LOVE the bone!
Great job with the easy open grooves!
(You want to tell me how you did that?)
The bolsters look exceptionally nice!

This one is a FIRST CLASS DOLL!!

TWO thumbs up!

Thanks Mike!
To make the cutouts for the easy opening I used a dime as a template (I had a few old easy open knives to use as a reference) and traced around a portion of it on one liner. Then I used a small drum sander/grinder in my Foredom handpiece to make the opening. Once I was happy with that opening, I temporarily pinned the two liners together and traced the opening on the other liner and ground that one to size. One thing to watch out for though is to make sure you put the easy opening on the correct edge of the liner otherwise it’s just an opening that displays the backspring (don’t ask me how I know this ).
The bolster grooves are hand cut with a jewelers saw then opened up a bit with a few files. I had a box of small disc shaped pumice polishing wheels from my jewelry days that seemed to work well at polishing the grooves.
I’ve got one more electricians knife left, it’s a Boker. I’m thinking something in a more colorful bone for that one

[Jeffinn]

Nice job Jeff, I love the bolsters, especially the front one! The easy open is a nice addition as well.
Good work!

Thanks Dale, I appreciate the kind words!

[Meridian_Mike]

Thanks for sharing the work techniques for the easy open grooves.
AND... thanks for the heads up on which edge to put 'em on!

I want to either make myself (or buy) a small drum sander table.
Great job Jeff!

[doglegg]

Great job Jeffin. A very classy looking knife. I also enjoyed the 'don't ask me how I know'. No matter the path taken the end result is amazing. I enjoy your sharing the pictures with us.

[jerryd6818]

Jeff, in addition to your skill in executing the modification, you have an eye for what will look good as to the finished product. I really like those.

[Jeffinn]

Jeff, in addition to your skill in executing the modification, you have an eye for what will look good as to the finished product. I really like those.

Thanks Jerry, I appreciate it.
Jeff

[Jeffinn]

Great job Jeffin. A very classy looking knife. I also enjoyed the 'don't ask me how I know'. No matter the path taken the end result is amazing. I enjoy your sharing the pictures with us.

Thanks doglegg!
Jeff

[Jeffinn]

Okay, last electricians knife for awhile. It’s a Boker with hand made front and rear nickel silver bolsters and smooth hunter green handles.

[Meridian_Mike]

Oh yes! Very nice Jeff!... That one sure turned out great! And it's a Boker...COOL!!
That hunter green looks great!

Very nice fit and finish!
Very nicely executed!

2 thumbs up my friend!

[doglegg]

That is a lot of blade! Great job on the bolsters and of course on the handles.

[Meridian_Mike]

I love the way your set up your picture! That is a great place for a picture!
(snow and greenery...)
I see your repair stamp. Very cool...!

[Jeffinn]

I love the way your set up your picture! That is a great place for a picture!
(snow and greenery...)
I see your repair stamp. Very cool...!

Thanks Mike. That little section of my backyard deck is about the only place where I can get a decent outdoor photo. The colors always come out better outdoors.

[glennbad]

I like the threading on the bolsters. Nice!

[jerryd6818]

I too am a big fan of threaded bolsters. That's another fine job, Jeff.

[WillyCamaro]

Man Jeffin, you keep on turning out winners, this last one no exception .

[Meridian_Mike]

OK... here is one I finished up yesterday. It is made from an Imperial TL-29.... The quality of those parts left a lot to be desired.
Anyway, here it is.....

Sorry for the crummy pictures.
(I spend most of my time trying to improve my knife mechanic skills.... not picture takin' skills...LOL)

[doglegg]

Mike it looks awefully good. Very warm handles. Does the blade seem to be good steel? You certainly did agreat job.

[Jeffinn]

Turned out great Mike! That bone is beautiful!

[orvet]

Nothing wrong with that one, but there is an awful lot right about it!

Love that bone, what is it?

[Byrd]

Mike, I like! you did a fantastic job on that. I can tell that your'e getting better!

[Meridian_Mike]

Thanks everyone....
The bone is Culpepper Catalina Amber. The color turned out pretty nice.
This is a newer Imperial. I chose it because the blade was nice and full.... (I will know better next time). The blade thickness does not match the spring thickness.... The blade is thicker. SO, there is a larger than normal gap on the back at the spring.
OH WELL.... another lesson learned.

[Doc B]

I like it! Did you do the file work, on the bolster?