Can a chipped scale be repaired?

[mikekoz]

Here is an unusual question! I have an old knife I may buy from a co-worker. There is already a photo of it on another thread I opened that some of you are assisting me with, but attached is a closeup photo of my problem. As you can see, there is a chip by one of the knifes rivets or pins. Is there a way to fix this so the chip will not get larger over time? Replacing the scales would be out of the question since this knife is real old. I was thinking about putting a real small drop of clear gorilla glue in the chipped spot to kind of "fill it in".

What do you experts say??

[Doc B]

Yep...here's a good thread... Nice bone on that one, by the way!
viewtopic.php?f=37&t=57370&hilit=acraglas+repair

[Reverand]

Doc is right, the Acraglas repair is the way to go, unless you can find a replacement scale off of an old parts knife. Finding one that matches can be nearly impossible though.

One favor: Show us some more pictures of the complete knife. We LOVE seeing old knives, and you never know if someone else has a scale that will fit it!

[OLDE CUTLER]

The link shown is one I started to encourage others to try the procedure. I have fixed quite a few that were even worse than yours and they all turned out good. Color matching is the hardest part, but if it isn't exact, no biggie. And yes, I want to see the finished project too.

[tallguy606]

Acraglas is pretty expensive. I have used dollar store two-part epoxy. Mix it, let set until it thickens a little, then dab on the broken area. Came out OK, you have to look closely to notice the repair.

[btrwtr]

I also use 2 part epoxy for patch type repairs. Getting color right and jigging matched can be an involved process. Darker color bone is easier to match in my experience. The knife posted shouldn't be too much problem due to the small size. Larger patches can be more difficult.

[1967redrider]

A chipped scale can be repaired. I sent this knife off to gclaxon and he did an excellent repair job on the 4 line Camillus sunfish/elephant toe. Not sure what he used but it came back perfect.

[Lansky1]

i use a 2 part thick epoxy paste called PC7 that can be found at any homecenter. Heres a repair using PC7... it's hard and stable - fine for a working knife - but if you're trying to mask it so the repair isn't visible - thats an entirely different thing that would involve detailed bone patchwork.

[WillyCamaro]

This is an excellent thread guys, that you for sharing your knowledge .
Willy

[joeradza]

I haven't tried this but if you can find another piece of similar bone you can grind up some to mix with the epoxy.

[wlf]

This was done with two part epoxy as described in the thread.

[Doc B]

You can use instant coffee as a tint, in epoxy, for the browns...or charcoal, for blacks.

[mikekoz]

Doc is right, the Acraglas repair is the way to go, unless you can find a replacement scale off of an old parts knife. Finding one that matches can be nearly impossible though.

One favor: Show us some more pictures of the complete knife. We LOVE seeing old knives, and you never know if someone else has a scale that will fit it!

Attached is the whole knife in all of its glory! Great information here. My thoughts are I just want to fill in this small chip to keep it from getting larger to preserve the knife. I do have some two part epoxy. The Agraglas repair looks amazing. I never knew anything like that existed. The examples of the other repairs you all have done on breaks a lot larger than this knife I have, are also outstanding. I really appreciate all of this information!!

[Reverand]

That is a good knife. I love the glow from old pocket-worn bone! There is nothing else quite like it!

[OLDE CUTLER]

I haven't tried this but if you can find another piece of similar bone you can grind up some to mix with the epoxy.

I don't think there would be any advantage to that. Probably would not as strong as unadulterated AcraGlas or epoxy. If used to try to match color, AcraGlas dye pack color or a tiny bit of acrylic craft paint color would be better and easier to control. The Acra Glas kits come with brown and black dye packs to tint the mixture. A tiny amount on the end of a toothpick is all it takes.

[mikekoz]

After I get this chip repaired, is it a good idea to clean these old knives? I normally use WD40 to clean out the gunk inside knives, and some sort of very mild polish to get rid of the patina. If I need to start another thread for this let me know, but it just popped into my head!!

[Doc B]

WD40 is good for cleaning...but a little heavier oil, on the joints, provides better lubrication. Like 3 in one oil or mineral oil. The patina is protective and most people prefer leaving it on an old knife. Also...The way the chip broke out...I don't think you have to worry much, about it getting bigger. It's relatively common for that piece to break out, with the location of that pin. The "Search" feature is located in the "Quick Links"...there are threads on various ways that people like to "clean" old knives.