119 grip modification

[Hickory n steel]

I absolutely love my 119 and really hated the fact that there was something I didn't quite like about it, but there was.
The grip.

I've tried and tried to get used to it ,but it was just a little too fat for my hand. I've been pondering it for a while, but kept thinking I'd get used to the handle with time.
Well I've given it enough time I'd say, I've had it since December after all.
I felt shameful while doing it, but I went ahead and did some filing and sanding on the phenilic handle.
About 25 min later and this is what I ended up with.

I knew I was limited to what I could do without touching the aluminum or I'd have a lot of polishing...ect to do, so I simply eliminated the finger grooves and rounded that area off.
Now it fits my much better, and at a quick glance it really doesn't look much different.

 

[jbmonkey]

I like the factory grip as is, but modifying works too. lots of folks modify the handle to their liking. glad ya found how to make it to your liking. looks good after the changes ya made. now put 'er to use...

 

[sportingspecialist]

You need to do what is necessary for the knife to feel "right".

I modified the handle on several of my 119's.Sometimes to compliment a reground blade and once to remove excess weight from the butt heavy feel of a brass equipped knife.

 

[pjsjr]

You need to do what is necessary for the knife to feel "right".

I agree, why have a knife that does not feel good when you're using it. Make it to your liking. Preston

 

[Hickory n steel]

Thanks I'm definitely happy with the grip now, and that everything went smoothly.
I had some reservations about doing anything to the 119 because I wanted one for so long and was worried about messing it up.

 

[eveled]

Good for you, job well done. My real users get modified if they need it.

 

[BITEME]

Looks good, I know what I will be doing tonight,

 

[Hickory n steel]

Looks good, I know what I will be doing tonight,

Thanks.
I look forward to seeing what you end up with.

 

[st8yd]

Getting the aluminum re-polished really isn't to hard of a job.

 

[sportingspecialist]

Here are several 119's that I modified to suit myself.These two I altered the handles after I reground the blades into 5" and a 4" drop point hunters.

I slimmed the handle on the 119 to the right,in order to remove excess weight due to the brass hilt and butt cap.The standard handle configuration is to the left.

 

[Hickory n steel]

Here are several 119's that I modified to suit myself.These two I altered the handles after I reground the blades into 5" and a 4" drop point hunters.

I slimmed the handle on the 119 to the right,in order to remove excess weight due to the brass hilt and butt cap.The standard handle configuration is to the left.

I like the particular thickness you ended up with.
I may have made a more trastic change to mine if I had the tools and skill at polishing...ect.

 

[st8yd]

I like your 5" drop point, I have been contemplating doing that myself as I really don't care for clip points.