1095 XT All Titanium Ouparator

STR

STR

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This order was recieved the other night and I went ahead and moved ahead some on it to get it officially underway today. This one is for an XT (extra thick) Ouparator with a 3.25 plus or minus blade length and approximately a 4.5" handle size. So when done it will be the biggest Ouparator I've made to date.

The slabs for this one are .126 so just a bump over 1/8" thickness here on this next one. I'll go ahead and post the preliminary pic here showing it still on the drawing board but it will be a few before I get back to it.

STR
 
Made a little progress with some steps forward on your knife here today Sam.

Thought I'd post a couple more progress pics for ya.

It is still very rough yet and no where near the final shape but shown here I have cut out the two ti sides in .125 titanium. I've started the grooving you wanted for grip and looks and also recessed the screws for every hole. I need to do a lot here yet but its moving forward.

The blade is basically done but not as long as I think you wanted. It may be just shy and hover more like between 3 and 1/8" to 3 and a 1/4". Can you live with that?

Its hard to predict final specs but it will be the biggest, longest, heaviest one yet for sure. Its already 3.6 ounces as it is here in these pics and with a 4 and 3/8" handle.

STR
 
The scales are taking on a nice look. As to the blade length, just do the best you can. If it comes in a bit shy of what we discussed, it'll still be just fine.

Thanks for posting the updated pictures.

:)
 
Got a few steps closer to done on this one today. I have it ready to mill out the lock at this point.

Got all the barrels and screws cut to length today to make this one go together as it should. Trimmed it all out to the rough in stages for the final shape. Still have some work on the thumb ramp lock release area, and the bevel to do but its coming along.

STR
 
I managed to get as far as making the low rider for this one but called it a day after that.

I'll pick up on it again tomorrow.

STR
 
Gettin' real close on this one. Have my lock milled out and all the edges beveled nicely and the entire knife to where I can put it together and see how she'll look. Still have to cut out the lock cuts to spring it and then I will be cutting in some traction grooves for the thumb and fingers to improve grip to top it all off. Once those two steps are complete I'll have to heat up and fold over the low rider pocket clip and drill those holes and thread them to mount it. Once done I bead blast it all and then set the detent ball for the last step.

Didn't realize till I went to sign this one with my stamp that I had to put it on the inside due to the traction grooves. No big deal though. Its stamped with my STR on the inside right behind the stop pin on each side.

STR
 
Just need to do the clip on this one and its done. I have it made and bead blasted. I just need to mark the holes, drill them and then thread them to mount it. Then I need to carry it a while and make sure its up to snuff. If so it ships out and I move on to the next project.

Seen here you can see the blade has been gun blued. It still needs sharpened up. The thumb stud is mounted and the detent is in place working correctly to correctly counter gravity. The traction grooves are all cut on the folder in the same spots as most Emerson folders are.

I elected to use phillips head screws in the entire folder on this one for the first time.

The lock cuts are .066/.068 and the folder is 7.5" open and 4 and 3/8" closed. Final weight after the clip will need to be determined but as seen here it weighs in at 3.3 ounces which if I'm not mistaken makes it the heaviest Ouparator by me yet. Oh yeah, the stock for the sides is 6 AL-4V .125 thick titanium.

Stay tuned. Gettin' closer to the finish with each step. I should have some digital final pics up of this one tomorrow sometime.

STR
 
This one is finished. I just need to snap some digital pics of it and ship her home.

Final weight is 3.4 ounces with the clip installed. This is a great size being right inbetween a large and small Sebenza. I think you'll really like it. Its a bit stiff now but you can oil work with it and it will improve over time.

STR
 
Ok she is in the mail at this writing Sam.

Here are some pics for ya.

STR
 
STR,

Thanks and I'm sorry for not responding to your posts. I've been on vacation for approximately 10 days and I've not had internet access.

I look forward to getting my hands on this one.

I'll be in touch.

:)
 
I figured you were out. Not a big deal. I knew you'd be checking in on it sooner or later. I'll take this one back if you don't like it! :D

Oh, and a bit of a warning for ya. I packed it up in wood shavings I did with that blade testing it out. I touched it back up after it made short work of it for a half hours worth of constant big and small slices and shipped her out after snapping some pics.

STR
 
Right handed or left handed are the same price with me. This is a beefy little folder here. I will have to do one like this for me one day if I can ever get to a point where I can do something for myself. :D

One just like this one you asked about would be $300 shipped with the low rider add $25 more. Here is one I did similar that is left handed but thinner stock (.105 I think) and lighter weight. Its also slightly shorter but otherwise the same model. Here is the link and thanks for asking.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=497733

STR
 
Steve,

I haven't received it yet, but I'm glad to hear you use words like "beefy little folder" and "I'll have to do one like this for me one day." I'm also happy to hear you other folks comment positively on my new baby. I hope to have it in my paws come early next week.

Thanks again, STR.
:)
 
I'm hoping Monday for you. It went out yesterday and doesn't show up on tracking yet but thats pretty typical I think.

It just means they didn't scan it in and stuck it on the truck.

STR
 
STR said:
This one is finished. I just need to snap some digital pics of it and ship her home.

Final weight is 3.4 ounces with the clip installed. This is a great size being right inbetween a large and small Sebenza. I think you'll really like it. Its a bit stiff now but you can oil work with it and it will improve over time.

STR
Click to expand...

And, as you know STR, this is just what I wanted...something between the small and large Sebenza.

Many thanks.
:)
 
I did remember yes. Its a little known secret that I hate making thicker folders above .100 or .110 thickness but something tells me this is going to be asked for again and again now that its out there.

I do hope its all you had envisioned in your head when you ordered it. I tried to bring it to life as we discussed.

There are some things I intend to change down the road. Well, I say that, I guess I should say I plan to try to make a minor change with the position of the stop pin. Otherwise it will remain much the same.

As with anything I reserve the right to make improvements when I can but I'll have to experiment some first to make it happen. Right now its just a thought.

STR
 
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