Muskrat In His New Clothes (not Kaleb)

[herbva]

So I picked up this poor, mistreated muskrat off the bay for $15 to use for parts, and after getting it all taken apart, I couldn't resist the challenge of trying to see if I could turn it into serviceable EDC. I should have taken some pics before I started, but never planned on putting it back together, so the first 4 pics are from the auction. Sorry for the poor quality. I have no idea what somebody was doing with this knife, but the liners and blades were all bent to hell, one of the pivot pins was actually broken in half. Getting the liners straightened out was the hardest part, and I almost gave up and made new liners. Since they were creased (not just bent) in a few places, I would get a crease flattened out and a bent portion that I had straightened out would then be bent. It reminded me of that arcade game "whack-a-mole". I was never able to get them completely perfect, and I gave up when they were straight for the most part. I went through my jar of used shields and I actually found a Case shield with holes that matched the shield holes in the liner. So, I guess this was meant to be.

[Tony_Wood]

Good save, Herb

[philco]

Nicely done ! I really like the new bone handles.

[Mumbleypeg]

Herb, considering what you started with I’d say that’s near-miraculous! It amazes me the abuse some people put knives through.

Ken

[Colonel26]

Herb that’s outstanding! I would have figured that knife was toast! How in the world can a person destroy a knife like that? The bone you put on it is really nice.

[dlr110]

Great save, I'm very impressed sir.

[1967redrider]

Great job, Herb! It looks like someone really put that knife through the wringer . . . literally!

[XX Case XX]

That knife was in rough shape when you started. It must have taken a lot of patience to get that thing where it is now. I'd say you did a mighty fine job there Herb. Very nice.

____________
Mike

[doglegg]

Very impressive and dignity restored to that old knife. Excellent.

[Reverand]

What a great job! I probably would have given up and cut new liners from brass, but you did the right thing!
Good choice on the bone as well!

[orvet]

Nice work Herb!

[glennbad]

Wow, that thing was a jalopy. Now it's a Rolls-Royce!. Beautiful work and great save!

[Meridian_Mike]

Way to go Herb!

That is the kind of restore / SAVE that I enjoy doing too!
You sure did a great job on straightening out the liners!

Good choice of bone for the covers!

Outstanding work!!

[herbva]

Way to go Herb!

That is the kind of restore / SAVE that I enjoy doing too!
You sure did a great job on straightening out the liners!

Good choice of bone for the covers!

Outstanding work!!

Thanks Mike, and everyone else too! As the famous Mary Chapin Carpenter song goes, "sometimes you're the windshield and sometimes You're the bug."