LF&C MK1 Handle Question

[TALLYHO]

I need advice on if it is worth the risk and how to straighten the bent back portion of the hand guard. I read that not all bronze is created equal and that certain metal mixtures will bend more easily without fracturing than others. There is no evidence of fracturing on the convex side of the bend. One site had success in bending back cast bronze fixtures by applying small increments pressure over time until the bend was straightened. If anyone has any ideas or recommendations please let me know. Thank you!

 

[Morlok]

I'm not familiar with bending a knife like this, but I work with a lot of bronze, brass & copper lugs on the railroad. I wouldn't "bend" it by grabbing the end of it. It may very well break. However, I have found that "compressing" cast soft metals works quite well. I would find 2 small, flat pieces of soft wood...pine would be soft enough. Maybe cut 2 small pieces from trim molding. You can probably get it free from the scrap bin at Home Depot. Make sure you are with the grain! Put a piece on either side of the metal guard & slowly compress it flat in a vice. The wood must be soft & untreated. That way, the wood is softer than the metal & the wood will compress & absorb the pressure, rather than putting dimples & scars on the metal. Go slowly, very slowly, keeping an eye on the metal the entire time. If anything looks or feels wrong, stop & keep it the way it is!!

[Morlok]

Also, I would remove the blade & put down some bunched up towels around the vice. That way, if the handle should fall (vices can be tricky!), it will have a soft landing. At the very least, remove the blade. This will keep you from damaging the blade if it falls. Even if you choose a completely different method of fixing it, remove the blade first! Not only will this keep the blade safe, it will protect your feet if it falls! Don't want to see a post that says "are WW2 1st aid kits & sutures still safe to use?"!!!!!!!

[thorin6]

Morlok's suggestions are spot on. I have had success doing what he describes (slow compression), and in some cases it helps if you have a good hair dryer to heat up the part you are bending. Slowly heat it before trying to bend.

[jeremy69]

I'm of the leave it alone camp. Every time I have tried something like that I wind up regretting it for one reason or another.

[TALLYHO]

Thanks for all the input! As I am posting this I am setting up to proceed with the a fore mentioned procedure. However it begs the question, how much does it detract from the value if I were to leave it alone as jeremy69 recommends? I realize this could be an all or nothing situation.