Thread: collarless pinning of Ivory

I wonder if anyone has any thoughts on a technique to duplicate the old way of collarless pinning without breaking scales? I figure annealing the pin good and prayer/meditation is in order.Nervous to attempt. Thanks in advance!

If I was going to try collarless pinning of ivory I would practice on pieces of acrylic until I felt some confidence in my ability.

Good idea. It might instill some false confidence, though! I thought I might try it on some broken ivory? I wonder if there is a hollow pointed punch available to get the domed effect as well.

You can use a Nail Set to get the effect you want - BUT- be careful as the Nail Set takes away feel... I use it for Washerless peens only at the very last stages more for looks then tightness... You still have to rotate and move the tool around as you tap..


Stanley Hand Tools-58-230*3 Piece Assorted Square Head Nail Set

I actually did one of these last night. I transferred an MK10 I had to a set of Ivory scales that had a junked blade in it. I was just extremely careful while pinning and did a ton of light taps. They turned out pretty good and I'll try to snap a pic this evening.

The first time I tried this though I definitely broke the ivory scales. I'm sure there is a better method to what I have done so far in trying.

Why not just use a very fine collar?

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

Why not just use a very fine collar?

You can, but most of the old Ivories used no collar so it is the "Look" not the function here

I suppose on a restore your correct,I made these Ivory scales last week and used a slightly oversized pin and very fine SS washers (pins were .066) annealed nickle silver.

This is a great response! The teeny collars might be the answer! You cannot really see them. Does that add to stability while peening? I would think guys sat around all day peening these! I wonder what the "attrition rate" was? Nowadays, we hate to bust ivory, but back then, who knows? Thank you all! If one was to use a proper sized nailset/hollow punch, I see a need for a block of steel with dimples. different sizes. I have heard of a "dimpling block" , but wonder if this is something you can buy, or is it made? Thx

I think it is called a 'doming block' IIRC. I've seen someone post about it and they sell them at harbor freight and elsewhere. I've seen photos and a vid or two of workman pinning razors and pocket knives and they aren't cautious, just expert.