Office Knife

[just bob]

Found this little Case XX office knife in with some other items at the Lexington, KY knife show. This has a decent master blade and excellent snap. The smaller blade is broken. I've never opened one of these up before and wonder if you use the same method of splitting it with a razor blade. I was thinking you might drill the rivet out to avoid cracking the scales?. Any other advise on working on these types of knives? Thanks!

[orvet]

I've never opened one of these up before and wonder if you use the same method of splitting it with a razor blade. I was thinking you might drill the rivet out to avoid cracking the scales?. Any other advise on working on these types of knives? Thanks!

That is the way I would do it. Anytime I want to salvage the handles, most especially when there are no bolsters to work with and add strength. However don’t be surprised if the handle material breaks anyway. It has been my experience that old handles, especially celluloid, bone & stag can become brittle with age.

Keep us posted and let us know how the project goes.

I hope it works out well!
Dale

[muskrat man]

they arent likely rivets. they are simply small washers that act as a miniature bolster, it is pinned together normally.

[just bob]

Just got this done and really didn't have many problems. Didn't see any washers at all in it, but I didn't take it all of the way apart. I did get some drift from the drill bit on one end near the pin. That's why I like to practice on cheap knives. One thing I read in Ben Kelley's book is to soak a knife in linseed oil overnight before you break it down. This rehydrates the scales and makes it easier to work with. I have been doing that and it seems to help.

[glennbad]

Good job. You obviously had a replacement blade, was it the same maker as the knife, or did you have to alter it?

Glenn

[just bob]

No it wasn't from the same maker. I have a box of junk and just try to sort through it and find something close. I pin them together and grind as needed. Thank you for the kind words.

[muskrat man]

most of those had a washer outside of the handle that acted as a small bolster. Like this fine shadow pattern by T.A Davidson