- Joined
- Feb 13, 2000
- Messages
- 2,688
Hi all,
I bought the 18" AK blem of 4-1-03 with the crack in the blade.
First off, I think that I could have of used this blade for years without failure. I thought it would be another fun project though. I was right, it was a ball. I work in a machine shop and use belt grinders and buffers daily. This gives me the ability to fix a blade that just needs the removal of some stock, some regrinding, and then polishing. I love doing this and it makes any blade I do it to extra special to me. I sort of feel more, one with the blade and the man that made it originaly. This crack removal took about an hour of careful grinding and blending, then a couple of hours off and on wet sanding the finish back up, then about an hour at the buffers. The picture does not show it well, but the blade looks awesome, and the wood is beautiful!!
I tested cutting with it and all works well. The blade lost a little weight in the belly as the edge is a little thinner and not as tall now. I am not sure if it still looks like an AK or not but it cuts like the dickens and handles really fast now. I love it Uncle Bill. Thanks for the fun project and good deal. By the way I love the tape. I wish I could have been there with all of you. Maybe another time. I look forward to the next cracked blade you get Bill!! 
I bought the 18" AK blem of 4-1-03 with the crack in the blade.
First off, I think that I could have of used this blade for years without failure. I thought it would be another fun project though. I was right, it was a ball. I work in a machine shop and use belt grinders and buffers daily. This gives me the ability to fix a blade that just needs the removal of some stock, some regrinding, and then polishing. I love doing this and it makes any blade I do it to extra special to me. I sort of feel more, one with the blade and the man that made it originaly. This crack removal took about an hour of careful grinding and blending, then a couple of hours off and on wet sanding the finish back up, then about an hour at the buffers. The picture does not show it well, but the blade looks awesome, and the wood is beautiful!!
I tested cutting with it and all works well. The blade lost a little weight in the belly as the edge is a little thinner and not as tall now. I am not sure if it still looks like an AK or not but it cuts like the dickens and handles really fast now. I love it Uncle Bill. Thanks for the fun project and good deal. By the way I love the tape. I wish I could have been there with all of you. Maybe another time. I look forward to the next cracked blade you get Bill!! 
