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MODIFICATIONS .. personalizing our knives !!!!

Many of us have dreamt of "improving" our knives.

Some have even implemented their improvements.

Here is a place to share and document those modifications.

Before & after pics are great .. I realize this isn't always possible .. I did some of mine years ago. A statement of design goals or modification purpose is a good place to start.

Identifying the desired changes & modifications is encouraged. As is a description of

the tools, any problems encountered, & methods used in the process.

A summary statement & pic of the final result will wrap it up !!

Also .. a place to share our mistakes.

Share what works & what doesn't.

Conquered a problem .. post a solution.

Up against a problem .. query for another's advice.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by J.J. Smith III on April 27, 2010 at 23:32

Told Dale that I've taken to drawing wharncliffe blades in the catalogs, just to see if they'll work. Don't know if I'll ever cut down a Buck, but if I do, it'll be one heavy carver.

In MemoriamPermalink Reply by D ale on April 28, 2010 at 0:42

Modified to the point of ?? dysfunction ??

Case Mini Copperlock
May have went too far on this one !? There was no SW Cooperlock to play w/ @ the time I did this.

In MemoriamPermalink Reply by D ale on April 28, 2010 at 1:04

Modification goal .. gain info, learn .. refine a flea market auto

.. the clip is hard riveted to the frame/liner .. it acts as the retainer for the coil spring .. Note: the liner is thicker on that side .. there is an oversixe hole drilled clean through it to house the coil spring ..

.. the button could use some contouring .. but, it's relatively soft matl .. if one were to use this .. should install a hardened one ..

Funny story associated w/ this knife .. lived not far from a wkend summer flea in CT .. met a chinamen selling knives (don't get me wong .. turned out to be a great guy) .. had some special one's in his van .. spoke broken english @ best .. before the summer was out .. calling me from 2 booths away .. "I've got some new one's in, Dale" .. perfect English !!!

Bought a bunch of knives from that gentleman ........

In MemoriamPermalink Reply by D ale on April 28, 2010 at 1:28

JJ .. what's the handle matl for your files ??

In MemoriamPermalink Reply by D ale on April 28, 2010 at 1:48

Note: when contouring the frame/liners .. I disassembled the knife .. used the existing fasteners to hold the frame halves tightly together .. then I took them to the belt sander ..

Over the course of time .. bought a few of these from the gentleman .. I got what I pd for .. the buttons are soft .. coil springs were "skewed" ~ they were ever so slightly thicker than the liner & got squished upon assembly .. blade steel is AUS 6 .. maybe AUS 8 .. they're a great learning experience .. want to learn a bit about auto's .. this is one fun way !!!

Also .. bought some suprisingly good quality auto's from the gentleman .. funny thing .. the quality didn't matter to him .. they all started @ 9 dollar ..

In MemoriamPermalink Reply by D ale on April 28, 2010 at 2:15

Used a dremel tool to get the tight radius @ the copperhead .. used a 4" belt sander to inflict the remainder of the damage .. it's lite in the pocket & disappears in the hand ..

Permalink Reply by Daniel Howland on April 28, 2010 at 5:29

A nice technique I use with my files, I took a golf ball and drilled a hole in it. I then stick the handle of my needle files in the golf ball, it makes for a very comfortable and solid grip!

Permalink Reply by Daniel Howland on April 28, 2010 at 5:43

The goal: Customer Paul wants a handle on this knife,with a guard, he is very fond of the blade shape and design, however is afraid he will cut himself if his hand slips. Tools used: drill press,bandsaw,arcwelder,beltsander,etc..

Permalink Reply by Daniel Howland on April 28, 2010 at 5:48

First, remove lether handle and rivots, come up with idea on paper.

Permalink Reply by Daniel Howland on April 28, 2010 at 5:50

Double side tape the template to steel and cut out handle on bandsaw

Permalink Reply by Daniel Howland on April 28, 2010 at 5:55

Lets see how it looks so far.........

Permalink Reply by Daniel Howland on April 28, 2010 at 5:59

Next, weld addition to handle, it is important to heat up the knife handle before welding to avoid cracking on the seam. Blade was protected with heat sink from heat. I glued cocobolo wood to handle with JB weld and clamped.