Boot Skinner: Instructions: Download

Assembling the KnifeKits.com Boot Skinner
(Stock# KK465BL)

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Tools Recommended
 5/32 drill
Ball Peen Hammer
 Saw
 Small drill press
Belt sander (for best results)
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This is the kit as received.

For the sake of demonstrating, the only power tool we’ll use is a drill press. If you have access to other power tools, such as a belt sander, by all means use them.

A word of advice: Wrap and tape the blade while working. It’s Sharp!

We’ll start by inserting the pins thru the bolsters and peening them over to fasten the bolsters in place. Peen each side by mushrooming the heads of the pins until the bolsters are solidly in place.

Use an anvil or piece of steel to back up the bolsters as you peen each side.

Use a smooth mill file to file the pins flush with the bolsters.

Draw the outline of your handle on each slab and saw them out roughly.

Place each side of the handle in place and clamp the wood to the knife. Using a 5/32”drill, drill the two 5/32” holes thru one side, then drill the ¼” thong hole thru. Do this for each side of the handle.

This is what you should have now.

Place a countersink drill bit in your drill chuck, and then deburr the holes on the insides of the handle scales.

These are a half round file, a wood rasp, and a round file. Shape the handle and bolsters to your liking.

 File and sand the handle to shape, but don’t finish it.

Sand the inside of the wood scales again, then use a wood hardener like this or similar to harden and seal the wood before final assembly.

 

I suggest you use a two-part epoxy to glue the handle slabs and pins in place. Coat all surfaces including the knife shank.  Allow enough time for the epoxy to harden. In this case, overnight.

Use a piece of paper towel soaked in denatured alcohol to clean the blade and wipe off excess squeeze out.

 

Sand and polish the handle to your liking.

 

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Congratulations, you now have a
beautiful Boot Skinner Knife!

Be careful before, during and after assembly!
 It’s sharp!
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