How to rehandle an old workhorse

Any advice on how to rehandle and refurbish my 20 year old Masakane? It's an entry level I bought when I was a prep "chef" right out of high school for a local fish market/Hawaiian food joint.

 

Simplest is to select handle materials, then drill out the pins. Refinish the blade if desired. Align the handle on the your new material and clamp. Then using the tang as a template drill your holes. If you are using straight pins, its simple. If using corby's you need to plan a little. Insert your pins through the new scales (off the knife) Shape and finish/sand/polish the front of the scales. Epoxy/pin/clamp the scales in place, remove the excess epoxy, and allow to cure. Shape the scales, and finish as desired.

 

Thanks! I didn't figure on epoxy between the scales.

 

Pierre made that sound like one of those home shows where everything gets done in a half hour!

 

About 2 hours!

 

Is that in Canadian time Eh?

 

Now now! Had you said Newfoundland time that would have been quite funny, and may have resulted in Screech drinking, and rock hurling!!

 

Man you guys know how to party up there.

 

where most guys who are about to get in huge trouble or very seriously injured yell out "Oh my good", the newfoundlanders typical response,.... "Hold my beer and watch this" its a great place to get into trouble lol

 

I have some old flea market knives I'm going to be redoing soon. Can't wait.

 

Pierre makes it sound so easy.....

 

Time and practice. Patience can help a little and knowing when to put a project down for the day helps too.

 

Gents, if any body needs more of an explanation, or step by step guidance, feel free to PM me. I will help if I can.

 

Indeed. "Shape the handles," he says. Well, that sounds simple...

 

It is, remove anything you don't want on the handle! LOL

 

I've done a couple and its close to that simple. Gotta get in elbows deep and then things start to make sense. I'd start and then jump on that deal with pm for assistance. Can't beat e offer.

 

If you search for tutorials for making a "kit" knife, there should be some good info about rehandling a kitchen knife. A kit knife is a blank that is done up and you are adding the handle. Pretty much what you are doing once the handle is removed. A hunting or fillet knife will have a different shape/contour, but it will get you started at least!

 

Do not underestimate how great rasps and files are for shaping western handles, a steady bench vise(and steady bench ofc) will take alot of the frustration away for you.

 

Listen to Dan, he can make a western handle while he's sleeping, and two more, when hes having his morning coffee.

Or was it beer?