Scale removal ?

[GrumpySoreOldBastard]

Planning to strip the painted finish on a CRKT clever girl kukri. The problem is removing the scales as they are pinned on with flared tubular fasteners.
I'm thinking that the best method would be to drill out the flair with a 82% countersink then press the tube down and out.
Does anyone have any experience doing this on a CRKT knife, would this be the best method?
Also is it likely that the scales are epoxied on?
If they are would boiling water be a good way to loosen them?
I'm probably overthinking this any advise would be appreciated.
FWIW here is a link to the knife for illustration.

Clever Girl™ Kukri

Designed for CRKTs Forged by War program, the Clever Girl Kukri is a fixed tactical carry made for the rough and tough moments while camping or exploring the outdoors.

www.crkt.com

 

[Bill DeShivs]

You are on the right track. Carefully remove the flare on one side and use a punch to drive the tube out.
It would be best if the punch is exactly the diameter of the tubing, but you probably can get by using something smaller. I would lube with WD 40 before trying to push the tubing out.

I doubt there is an epoxy there.

 

[GrumpySoreOldBastard]

You are on the right track. Carefully remove the flare on one side and use a punch to drive the tube out.
It would be best if the punch is exactly the diameter of the tubing, but you probably can get by using something smaller. I would lube with WD 40 before trying to push the tubing out.

I doubt there is an epoxy there.

Thanks.
Have a transfer punch that i think is just about the right size that i can misuse to drive it out.
That CRKT is a nice low cost starter to get my feet wet in the craft of modding knifes I'm looking forward to learning some.