Adding a choil to a production knife?

A

AlonzoMosely

Joined
Aug 18, 2002
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I have a CUDA CQB2. I would love to add a finger choil (is that the word?) just in front of the handle which would both give me a more versatile grip and have the added advantage of bringing the blade well below the 4 inch legal limit to carry in my state.

I have a Dremel tool, and thought that perhaps I would use one of the grinding heads to create a choil. My question is, what kind of tool bit should I use - aluminum oxide or silicon oxide, and will I be able to do this without ruining the heat treat? I have successfully modified hardened steel on handgun parts such as hammers, but am a novice at knife modifications.

Thanks for any thoughts.
 
You can try a silicon carbide burr.The best choice would be a diamond burr,but you will have to be gentle or you will take the grit right off it.Go slow and dip in water when it gets too hot to hold in your hand.Wrap the blade with tape to keep from scratching it up.
Stacy
 
Most states measure "blade size" from the front of the handle (guard/bolster) to the tip, and not just the sharpened edge. I don't think that would help you.

Just carry what you want and stay out of trouble - simple enough.


Now, about the knife. The dremel with a diamond bit is a good idea. I've use them on hardened steel and they're good.

A few things to think about:

1 - draw the outline you want to shoot for in marker on the blade.
2 - clamp the blade down in something....anything...to keep it steady.
3 - you shouldn't have to worry about ruining the temper on the blade - since you will be cutting that part away.
4 - round off the edge at the front of your new choil. So, when your finger is in the choil, you're not getting "bit" by the edge.
5 - keep two hands on the dremel - one for pressure, one for control (this one should be "braced" against something....table, etc.) Don't just freehand it.


You sound like you're good enough to tackle this - enjoy it and have fun with it!
 
Great! Thanks for the tips.

BTW, here in CT, the statute says "any knife the edged portion of the blade of which is four inches or over in length" which on its face seems plainly to refer to only the edge, but it wouldn't surprise me if the state interpreted the words completely contrary to what they say...
 
Well said. If you find yourself in a bad spot....even a pencil can be considered a weapon.

I've put finger choils in several knives "post production" with no problems. In fact, it improved the grip on all of them. Best of luck!
 
I think you'll find that a policeman will measure whatever you are able to stick into somebody as part of their "Blade Length".
 
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