50-Year-Old Klein Pocket Knife Complete Teardown and Restoration (and Modification)

[@edwardmartin3069]

The knife is Klein's version of the Electrician's Knife, TL-29 (or sometimes found as "Linesman"s Knife, TL-29), They date back to at least 1919 with the original Army Signal Corps Tool Kit. The knife was the 29th item on the Tool List, hence the "TL-29"). The knife was commonly paired with a pair of Linesman's Pliers (TL-13) in a common belt holster.. (Klein is better known for producing quality linesman pliers than knives. They are still one of the leading manufacturers of quality electrician's tools - and most of their stuff is still made in the USA. The company dates back to 1857 and is still family-owned). This design has been made under government contract by just about every knife manufacturer in the country at one time or another. Millions of them were made to support World War II and they continue to be issued as a part of many military tool kits today... The switch from wood scales to plastic started in the latter days of WWII. I don't think any wooden scaled knives have been made since the Viet Nam war years... It is almost impossible to date most examples of this knife unless you have a really old one that dates back to the early days of WWII. It is a popular design for a working knife and has been made for commercial sale almost as long as it has been made for the military... Most military examples have "TL-29" stamped on them somewhere, usually on one scale. Some early examples had this stamped on a nickel-plate shield on one scale. Most of these knives had decent quality carbon steel blades until the sources moved to the Far East and a cheaper grade of stainless was used... You have a good one, it should provide many more years of faithful service...

[@CatalystRestorations]

Wow Edward, thank you so much for taking the time to provide all that amazing information! I wish I knew more precisely when this knife was made, but I think you're right that it's probably no older than the Vietnam War years. Use it all the time since I restored it!

[@brysonalden5414]

I think this was a respectful, skillful and appropriate restoration. Nicely done, sir!

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thank you! 👍

[@brysonalden5414]

@@CatalystRestorations And I thought I would never do one like this, but two days ago my mother-in-law handed me a similar knife in similar condition and asked me to restore it. Guess I'd better watch this again!

[@CatalystRestorations]

@@brysonalden5414 Perfect timing! If i were you, I wouldn't make all new wood scales though, haha!

[@brysonalden5414]

@@CatalystRestorations Yes, I saw that comment about the scales. The ones on the knife I was given are partly melted, so I don't think there's any reason to try to save them. Plus I have a plentiful supply of bloodwood, which should look nice. Nicer than plastic!

[@joaquinperez7567]

Exelente restauracion ...pero en realidad las cachas viejas parecian madera de granadillo. Lo cual hace comprensible que parecieran plastico.

[@10code4]

I love your videos. I have several pocket knives that I purchased in a lot at an auction for almost nothing. You have shown me that they ARE worth the time and effort to restore. Thank you so much!

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thank you! This was the first pocket knife I ever restored and I learned a ton in the process to be more efficient, etc. - I'd recommend 'practicing' on a few you don't mind if they don't turn out quite right as you hone your skills! Totally worth it though if you restore a quality one; it'll last you forever.

[@mikeboyce584]

You did your grandpa proud fine work quality knife for the time and you brought it back

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thanks Mike!

[@grovehouse-bf5mn]

Thanks for documenting and sharing this restoration project. I was researching resources to help me retore my father's pocket knife and came upon your video. It's really helped me understand the what to do.

[@CatalystRestorations]

You're welcome! I tried to show everything so that you can do as much or as little as you feel comfortable doing yourself. Sometimes just seeing someone else do it is all the confidence boost you need! Best wishes with your restorations!

[@grovehouse-bf5mn]

@@CatalystRestorations Thanks! Honestly, you have given me just enough info and confidence to tackle it.

[@xkkjones]

Thanks for sharing. Great work!

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thank you!

[@tantemausi5411]

Chobbler Mausi -- nesgad!! Prima 😊😊😊

[@erso3302]

Best resto I've seen.

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thank you!!! 😁

[@vtxdaryl]

Unbelievable results. Enjoyed watching this, very relaxing.

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thank you! And thank you for watching!

[@davidleasure9138]

Beautiful workmanship. Extended the life another 50 years

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thanks, David! It gets used all the time now!

[@martinshobbykanal2776]

A second life for this beauty!

[@dr.brinebasterd8982]

The linseed oil on maple really looks nice

[@CatalystRestorations]

It's a favorite of mine!

[@mikeygee2465]

Looks great! Really like the maple and brass.

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thanks Mikey! I really wanted a dark wood to contrast with the brass, but I've really come around to the lighter wood complimenting the brass!

[@davidcoats1037]

Fantastic job on the restoration/ upgrade! Also great work with the video editing and production. I love the sped up peening with the hammer. I could watch that for hours lol. Maybe that’s why I like woodpeckers so much. Loving your work man. Keep it up! 😃👍🏼

[@CatalystRestorations]

I love sped up peening too! So satisfying! Thanks! 👍

[@mathuparrish6798]

Wow! That turned out really nice!

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thank you! And thanks for watching!

[@ihrescue]

I had one issued as a cache of electronics tools by the US Air Force in 1973. I need to get another one. That knife blade has been sharpened a few times.

[@CatalystRestorations]

Very cool!! Yeah, my grandpa probably ground it a bit too aggressively over the years, but it's mostly back to former glory now

[@ethan_anthem]

The light colored wood looks great!

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thanks dude!

[@wderoker]

Great work! Thanks for sharing. A joy to watch!

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thank you so much for watching, William!!

[@walts4856]

Super nice 👍

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thanks for watching!

[@hityoutwo]

That was really enjoyable to watch. You definitely did the knife justice!

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thanks Julian, much appreciated!

[@randycarter2427]

Absolutely Great Restoration! I believe I’ve been told the TL stands for Tool-Linesman item # 29 on the tool list.

[@CatalystRestorations]

That is great to know, I didn't know that! Thanks!

[@markjob7736]

Those were Ebony or Rosewood handles and that knife was made in the 1930's. I collect the wooden handled ones with shields on them. Great knives.

[@CatalystRestorations]

Wow, thanks for the info Mark! I definitely did not think it was that old. Luckily, I saved the original wood scales intact if I ever decide to re-restore it!

[@markjob7736]

@@CatalystRestorations No problem. You did a great job on that knife! I make some custom folders and purchase Ebony on ebay. If it were me, I would scrap the old and make new handles. Just my opinion.

[@joaquinperez7567]

En efecto es granadillo negro

[@akobayashi9381]

You should have restored and used the old handle scales. They were the coolest part of the knife.

[@CatalystRestorations]

Never fear! I saved the original plastic scales so they could be switched out for the wood ones at some point.

[@samhackney5977]

Nice job!👍

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thank you, Sam! And thanks for watching!

[@michaelbuckner5374]

Wow great work

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thanks Michael!

[@alanhelig221]

Stunning

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thank you!

[@jimamccracken5783]

Very nice indeed restore.

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thanks Jim!

[@wingz777]

Nice job! Great video man! Do you think it is possible to switch the screwdriver blade and the knife blade positions so that the knife blade is now the locking blade?

[@CatalystRestorations]

It might be!

[@thierrypasquet1503]

Très belle restauration, bravo.

[@CatalystRestorations]

Merci, Thierry!! 😊

[@rrr2cats]

Great job.

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thanks for watching Richard!

[@tntchitwood]

Gorgeous!

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thanks Tom!

[@IgorANUR]

Здравствуйте.А Вы не знаете по поводу накладок оригинальных,это дерево Венге?🤔Или какой-то другой вид древесины?

[@CatalystRestorations]

I believe it is rosewood!!

[@jeffreythomasonify]

Question: what metal do you use for the new pins?

[@CatalystRestorations]

Brass! I bought these ones on Amazon, just search for 'brass pin stock' and you'll find loads of options. 😁👍

[@John-sq7uf]

What is that sanding disc attachment for your Dremel called? I’ve never seen one like that.

[@CatalystRestorations]

Look up "sanding discs for dremel" and you'll find exactly what I use!

[@zenaldiak]

I have one with ebony scales, and " S Klein Tools Japan" inscription on the main blade, in mint condition

[@CatalystRestorations]

Sounds amazing!

[@SynCiLLmaTiiKz]

Hey! Awesome video. I am actually renovating the same knife for my dad for a birthday present. Was trying to find the pins to use in the handle. Do you remember where you got the metal “wiring” for the pins? Thank you very much!

[@CatalystRestorations]

I got mine off Amazon. Search for "assorted brass rods" and you should find what you're looking for! Some hardware stores carry small solid brass rods too. Enjoy the project, what a great gift!

[@joaquinperez7567]

Es un gran filo felicidades.

[@CatalystRestorations]

¡Gracias!

[@pmauriciomm]

You great honored your Grandppa!

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thank you! He loved this restoration so much when I showed him the final product in person!

[@johnkeck1025]

I know some old timers took thoughs old t29 knives and turned the screwdriver tip into a chisle for wood work..

[@CatalystRestorations]

Interesting choice! Can't say I'd do the same ever, but to each their own!

[@grahamparr3933]

Lay the back of knife on sandpaper flatten raised edges of spacers to finish off.

[@AaronBelknap]

I like it great job on that! I need to get a plating set up! where did you get yours?

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thanks! Search 'nickel anode' on Amazon or eBay and you can get a kit with nickel, copper, and zinc strips. Then you can use wires and AA batteries for the electricity. If you search DIY nickel plating on KZbin I recommend Geoffrey Coker's video - it's the best and simplest tutorial!

[@blueduck9409]

I would have oiled the wood before i put it on the knife, but that was a goid job!

[@CatalystRestorations]

I'd probably do the same if I did this project again. Thanks for watching!

[@American_Jeeper]

You do really great work, but I’ll admit I’m a bit torn. Some items absolutely need restoration, but others deserve preservation and, in my opinion (we all know the saying about them), this one would have been worthy of stabilizing the handles with epoxy, and then a good cleaning, polishing, sharpening and nothing more. What I love about the old Klein pocketknives are the plastic handles and the way they were made to look like wood. This is not to detract from your results, which do the knife justice. I’m just a sucker for nostalgia.

[@CatalystRestorations]

I wholeheartedly agree with you - I was so torn on keeping the original scales or making new ones! The good news is that with all my restorations I always save all the original pieces that I do replace and preserve them as best as I can, so at any time in the future they can be put back on. Who knows, in a year from now I might feel like making another video restoring my restoration! Thanks for the kind words!

[@DrRestoration]

Very nice Catalyst! 😊👍

[@jsollien127]

I'm having a difficult time feeling nostalgic when the knife is still in production. But as you said about opinions...

[@thornekimroberts8502]

I have that exact knife. How much would you charge to do that exact same thing to mine?

[@CatalystRestorations]

Hi! I do these projects for personal use with no intent to sell the finished product because it simply isn't monetarily worth the labor and supplies (although they have great sentimental value to me). This project took about 30 hours over the course of a month to complete. A fair cost of labor alone would be several hundreds of dollars unfortunately. I do offer to restore and return items just in exchange for me filming the process and uploading the video, as long as it's something I have not already restored on camera and uploaded to KZbin.

[@thornekimroberts8502]

Do you have a first email where I could send some possible item ideas for restoration?

[@CatalystRestorations]

@@thornekimroberts8502 Yup! [e-mail]

[@thornekimroberts8502]

@@CatalystRestorations 10-4

[@АлександрОлонец]

I would put plastic instead of wood. Here in Russia, bronze or brass wires are very difficult to find.

[@CatalystRestorations]

I get that!

[@glengrossnickle4985]

Very nice. I like the light wood. Did Klein ever make them with wood scales? Where did you get your brass? I have several old wood handle tools that I have started restoring and their scales are bad. So I need to get some supplies. Thanks

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thanks Glen! As far I am aware, Klein never made wood scaled knives, only faux-wood plastic (more durable and practical for an everyday electrician, so I get it). I bought the brass pin material on Amazon (12 pcs of assorted sizes was about $10), but there are many other online and in-store retailers that sell it as well. Just search for 'brass rod stock' or 'brass pin stock' and you should find plenty of options! Good luck, and happy restoring!

[@floydcrase625]

The old scales was rose wood could tell from the close up

[@CatalystRestorations]

Hmmm...maybe? I still have them (in case I want to put them back on some day), but I couldn't find any literature online to suggest Klein ever made these electricians knives with rosewood scales.

[@wizardofahhhs759]

They're American walnut.

[@bgrdr]

Well, that was painful to watch. Poor old thing.

[@CatalystRestorations]

you can stop watching at any point

[@bgrdr]

@@CatalystRestorations too late

[@georgegordonbrown9522]

As expected you made a piece of functional junk out of a vintage object.

[@CatalystRestorations]

As expected this is the only joke you know.

[@bluecow2655]

Nice workmanship but Sacrilege. At least you didn't use mustard to put a B.S. patina that the knife had not earned on it.

[@CatalystRestorations]

What can I say, I'm a heathen.

[@bluecow2655]

@@CatalystRestorations ha ha ha big thumbs up

[@GnabhanJr]

if you wish i can send you an small pieace of brasilian dark rosewood, no cust , free, from antique door i took can send me mail and we do ship detail´s

[@CatalystRestorations]

Send me an email [e-mail]!

[@kaymunnich1483]

Nice work, but you stole the charme from the knife. Now it looks like a cheap China copy.

[@CatalystRestorations]

Charming, but useless in the original condition so a small price to pay 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@kaymunnich1483]

@@CatalystRestorations ok, the argument is correct 😉👍

[@justinmacrae7430]

Rad

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thanks!

[@UltraMagaFan]

You should have made the handle out of red oak. That maple is ugly af.

[@CatalystRestorations]

Send me some red oak and I'll re-restore it just for you, Mr. Ultra MAGA Yours truly, Dark Brandon

[@UltraMagaFan]

@@CatalystRestorations Thats not necessary. It looks good. I’m just personally not a fan of maple. But if you really want to, send me your email address and we can arrange something. I have about a cord of red oak on my firewood pile. It wouldn’t be a problem.