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Removing a pommel

Hello knife people

I have an old western sheath knife that has a stacked washer handle and an aluminum pommel. I want to rehandle this knife but Im not sure how to remove the pommel without damaging it. I would like to re-use the pommel, I'm just relacing the stacked washers.

Any input would be much appreciated!

Thanks,

John

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Replies to This Discussion

In MemoriamPermalink Reply by D ale on October 11, 2012 at 20:53

Could/would ya post some pics, John. Some are pinned on .. some are press .. etc.

Pics would help tremendously .. otherwise .. just shooting in the dark w/ any advice.

Dale.

Permalink Reply by John Kellogg on October 11, 2012 at 23:31

Thanks for replying Dale

I just noticed that it is pinned so drilling out the pin I know is something I need to do but beyond that I have never done this before so any input is much appreciated.

I will try to post some pics tomorrow.

Thanks again Dale!

John

Permalink Reply by John Kellogg on October 13, 2012 at 17:08

D ale

Here are a couple photos, I hope they load. This is all new to me.

Attachments:

IMG_1614.JPG, 460 KB
IMG_1617.JPG, 539 KB

In MemoriamPermalink Reply by D ale on October 13, 2012 at 22:04

Nice knife, John. I think I may have the same. That's an older unit .. Western made some good schtuff back then. I'll try to dig mine out so I've got one in hand as we communicate.

Nice clear pics showing good detail too .. that helps tremendously !!! Could you snap a pic of the butt end of the pommel also .. thanks. Some had a threaded nut at the very end ..but.. I don't think yours does. Look for a circular dis-coloration ..

.. similar to what makes the pin observable.

One side of the pin will need to be drilled .. not too deep .. just enough to get past where it "flared" when originally peened. A drill press, such as .. the $70 Harbor Freight ..or.. the $75 Northern Industrial .. will help tremendously. Nothing fancy is required ..but.. I wouldn't try it free hand. Again, just drill to a depth where you're past the expanded section .. from when they peened it during initial fabrication.

Then, press the pin out .. from the side you just drilled out. You'll need a punch slightly smaller than the pin itself. The punch needs a flat end .. you do not want to flare the pin again as you drive it out. Have patience & use a small hammer.

A small arbor press would be real handy ..but.. not something everyone has. If you do ..use a short length of piano wire or drill rod or similar hardened material of the appropriate size to assist in driving the pin out. On could feasibly chuck up on such material in a drill press .. forming a pseudo arbor press to accomplish the same task.

If all else fails .. drill the entire pin out & replace in the reassembly process.

NOTE: Always use safe procedures / eye protection / & the like. If you are not comfortable with any of the procedures described .. DO NOT perform them !!!

Let me know how it goes !!!

D ale.

In MemoriamPermalink Reply by D ale on October 13, 2012 at 22:20

On a related note .. those leather washers are just dried out .. you might give them a good soaking in oil .. let them expand ..&.. save yourself the whole trouble of replacing them.

Just a thought !?!

Permalink Reply by John Kellogg on October 14, 2012 at 14:37

D ale

Thanks for all the information! Its much appreciated. I'll try to post a photo when I am done but it might be awhile as I havent even purchased the washers yet. I would just soak the washers but since someone actually started to sand the blade I have decided to go for a restoration on this one.

Thanks again Dale

Sincerely,

John

Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on April 6, 2013 at 12:19