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

[Meridian_Mike]

Thanks for that nice explanation Jeff.
I had to ask because I fear making a mess when using anything that is new to me for the first time. My sister-in-law is coming to get this knife this weekend. SO, I won't have a lot of time to make another if I screw this one up..... LOL.

[glennbad]

Here's one I finished recently. Amber stag and teardrop bottom bolster added. Punch mod on screwdriver blade

[Meridian_Mike]

WOW.... that is a beauty Glenn.... That stag is first class!
The tear drop bolster is extra nice! I need to do me one of those. I LIKE!!!
I love what you did with the screwdriver blade!
Great job!

[orvet]

Glenn, either your pictures are getting better or your knives are!
That looks so good, it could have come out of the GEC factory! Absolutely outstanding!

[doglegg]

Glenn, absolutely gorgeous, what a fabulous knife. That thing looks factory new and what beautiful handles. Wow!!!

[TPK]

Awesome work Glenn!

[Schradenut]

Meridian_Mike
I only have one, but it is a beauty. I sent it to Dale some years ago with my thoughts on a mod and he exceeded all my expectations.
The original knife was a white scaled Utica TL-29....and well i will let you see the fine work Dale did on this one.
Tony.

[Myron]

What an amazing thread!

I'm still very much a novice knife modder, but I have an old Camillus TL-29 and this thread has inspired me to get it out and turn it into something useful. Can any of the more experienced modders tell me what's involved in modifying the liner lock to work on the knife blade instead of the screwdriver/wire-stripper tool? Is it obvious when you take it apart?

I'm also curious to know if there is such a thing as ready-made wooden scales for these knives? Or at least crudely shaped and maybe the final shaping left up to the knife maker?

My plan would be to replace the black scales with wooden ones lighter in color, eliminate the screwdriver implement, and move the liner lock over to the blade.

Are the black scales on this knife wood, or some other material?

Thanks,

Myron

[Meridian_Mike]

Meridian_Mike
I only have one, but it is a beauty. I sent it to Dale some years ago with my thoughts on a mod and he exceeded all my expectations.
The original knife was a white scaled Utica TL-29....and well i will let you see the fine work Dale did on this one.
Tony.

Yep... that one is a sure 'nuff beauty!!
I remember seeing it once when Dale posted it.... WOW!
I LOVE that style of knife!! I have done a couple in that style but other hands have them now. (I can't seem to keep one....LOL)
Thanks for showing!!

[Meridian_Mike]

I'm still very much a novice knife modder, but I have an old Camillus TL-29 and this thread has inspired me to get it out and turn it into something useful. Can any of the more experienced modders tell me what's involved in modifying the liner lock to work on the knife blade instead of the screwdriver/wire-stripper tool? Is it obvious when you take it apart?

I think you will need to modify the blade to allow the lock to spring over and lock the blade. Here is a pic of an Uncle Henry I fixed. It shows how the lock works when the blade is open.

I'm also curious to know if there is such a thing as ready-made wooden scales for these knives? Or at least crudely shaped and maybe the final shaping left up to the knife maker?

You will need to get cover material from somebody like Culpepper and cut them to fit. First you get the material to the length and fit at the bolsters. Then you can refine the shape at the liners.

My plan would be to replace the black scales with wooden ones lighter in color, eliminate the screwdriver implement, and move the liner lock over to the blade.

Are the black scales on this knife wood, or some other material?

Mostly, the black covers are a form of plastic but sometimes a higher quality Electrician's knife will have wood handles. I'm not exactly sure about yours.

[Myron]

Hi Mike,

Thank you for the thoughtful reply and useful details! Your reply has shown me that it's more than I want to tackle right now, so I think I will just use and enjoy this knife as-is.

Thanks again,

Myron

[Schradenut]

Brumbydownunder
You have done some wonderful work on those ones Derek. The TL-29 is a good solid knife and you have shown some very imaginative variations of them. I never tire at looking at your work.
Tony.

[Meridian_Mike]

....... more than I want to tackle right now, so I think I will just use and enjoy this knife as-is.

Myron,
Get some cheaper "junk" knives and work on 'em. Reshape some blades, take 'em apart and put 'em back together.
Save your best knifes for later when you get more experience.

That Camillus Electricians knife has some good bones! It is a good candidate for a nice mod!

Get in there and get your hands dirty!

[Byrd]

Here's one that was a pretty beat up Camillus. I did it in buffalo horn. I'm not sure I like that material, but it sure does shine up nice! After I polished it I found a couple places that were dinged a bit... Sorry for the pictures but the sun's out!

[stockman]

You guys are very good.

Harold

[Reverand]

Looks great, Byrd!!

[TPK]

Yes I agree, you did a fine job!

[Byrd]

Thank you all! It was a fun project. I love redoing these TL29's. They are plentiful and inexpensive and great for me to learn on!

[Winchester M21]

Good job Byrd!!

Here’s one I finished yesterday. This one belongs to stockman now!!

Screwdriver converted to Napanoch style punch and added ebony handles and checkered

[doglegg]

Good look on that one Byrd.
Shawn, I like the punch modification. The handles look great as well.

[stockman]

I want to Thank Shawn for the coolest Factory Customized knife. Locking punch, hand checkered scales. All made for me and gifted to me.
Shawn is very talented, with his work on guns and knives. He is also my friend, all made possible through our connection on AAPK.

Thank you Shawn
Harold

" life is too short to carry an ugly knife"

[Byrd]

That is a sweet TL29! Great work, and I love the checkering!

[Winchester M21]

Harold (stockman) is a great friend and has helped me learn a lot about Winchester and other brands of knives!!
It’s nice to have someone like him to talk to every now and then!!
Thanks for your knowledge and friendship Harold!!

[Meridian_Mike]

WOW... that is a nice couple of knives!
That buffalo horn sure does polish up real nice! And, I know it is mostly just black but in hand it has to be extra sweet!
.
The checkering and secondary blade on the last one sure is nice!!
.
Great job guys!

[glennbad]

That is one sweet mod,checkering and all(awl)!