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New member wants to fix an Imperial push button

How do i learn to fix a knife that needs a tune-up??imperial.jpg

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In MemoriamPermalink Reply by D ale on September 28, 2019 at 14:20

What is meant by "tune-up"

If it involves the sear pin or the locking notch .. welding is likely involved.

If "peeking" is occurring .. probably worn sear pin or locking notch or combination of both .. see above.

Broken springs can be replaced. A "few" sources are available. Most will be hand fabricated. I fabricated a spring for one of my PRESTO's by starting with a different spring ..then.. filing to fit.

Would you define "tune-up", please.

Enjoy

D ale

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In MemoriamPermalink Reply by D ale on September 28, 2019 at 14:21

I just posted your attached pic for ya ....

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Permalink Reply by Brad Kimball on September 28, 2019 at 16:12

Thanks. Works great. Blade wobbles a bit and cracked ice on one side needs replaced? Can i buy handle material ?

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In MemoriamPermalink Reply by D ale on September 28, 2019 at 16:58

I believe you have what is known as a "shell knife". I'm not aware of any source for the "cracked ice" covering. You might try googling a bit ..but.. I already did some & didn't find anything readily available. I attached a couple links for you Re: Imperial Shell Knives.
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"Imperial started just after WWI in the US. In the early years they made acceptable, inexpensive knives with solid plastic handles. Around 1935 +/- they bought, from Lohr & Steihl (sp?), a German company, the rights to a knife-making technology which made knives very inexpensively. The process involved stamping a hollow handle shell which had the appearance of solid handles and bolsters like a normal knife. Then a thin piece of plastic was wrapped around the shell to give the appearance of "solid" handle material. Sometimes there are even “pins” and a “shield” made by punching out holes in the plastic. This assembly is held onto a machine-assembled frame consisting of the liners, springs, and blades riveted together (essentially a complete knife sans handle covers). The cover assembly is held on by a small tab which is bent under at each end of the knife. Look carefully at yours and you should be able to see all these details. The knives are inexpensive but remarkably solid all things considered."
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https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/knife_forum/viewtopic.php?t=19969

https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/knife_forum/viewtopic.php?f=64...

https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/knife_forum/viewtopic.php?t=55011

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In MemoriamPermalink Reply by D ale on September 29, 2019 at 13:33

Brad Kimball

!!! .. You've a nice old auto .. !!!

My (personal) suggestion is to leave as is. Often .. more damage is done during attempts to repair than left "as is".

If I do come across a possible replacement method for the cracked ice covering .. I will post here.

Enjoy

D ale

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Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on October 3, 2019 at 12:12

Brad,

If I were going to work the scale, I would replace both scales and get rid of the cracked ice celluloid all together. Being an unstable material it would be best to go with something else

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Permalink Reply by Brad Kimball on October 3, 2019 at 12:26

Jan Carter said:

Brad,

If I were going to work the scale, I would replace both scales and get rid of the cracked ice celluloid all together. Being an unstable material it would be best to go with something else

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Permalink Reply by Brad Kimball on October 3, 2019 at 12:27

What would you suggest and where do I find it?? Thanks

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In MemoriamPermalink Reply by D ale on October 3, 2019 at 12:55

Brad,

Take a look @ the ends of the knife .. both ends. Is there a tab bent over from the tab & into the frame ? Re: pic

I have seen where a member of another forum completely removed the shell scales & covered ea side completely with wood. In their case .. a std pocket knife was used.

In the case of an auto .. the interior of the wood slabs will need to be recessed for the workings of the auto mechanisms ... sear pin lever & locking slide & associated components. Being mechanically inclined will help tremendously.

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This is what a dis-assembled shell knife will appear. Re: pic

After the rust was removed, the frame was completely covered in wood & epoxied in place.
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I don't think Jan realized the knife you have is likely a shell knife. Imperial started using shell knives somewhere in the 30's .. I think. Prior to that, Imperial used a solid celluloid. Celluloid is commonly known for it's instability. Hence, Jan's reference to replace celluloid with a more stable material. Wood, micarta, etc.

Enjoy,
D ale