Adding jimping to a BK2

Moosez45

Moosez45

Custom Antlers, Factory Knives...
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I was thinking of adding some jimping to my BK2, and I was wondering has anyone done it yet? If so, is it working for you?

I just got done stripping it, and was debating sending it off for a beadblasted finish. Tough decision, I kinda like how it looks now, but I like the look of beadblasted metal. As soon as I get this cast off, I'm gonna get back to the mountains for some good dirt time with my BK2. Moose.
 
I just stripped the coating from the primary grind off of mine last night. I was considering the bead blast but I really like how the black and polished steel look together.

Regarding the jimping, I have seen it done a couple of different ways. One was by hand with a small round file. Turned out pretty nice. The second was with a Dremel and alcohol. Didn't turn out as nice.
 
Well i decided to forgo the bead blast, as I like how it looks as is, I have been reviewing the all powerful web on jimping, and i think a 5/32 chainsaw file will do the job. Just so happens I have one. Now, all i gotta do is get this infernal cast off and I can begin again on modding my BK2 to make it mine. lol. Moose
 
moosez45 said:
Well i decided to forgo the bead blast, as I like how it looks as is, I have been reviewing the all powerful web on jimping, and i think a 5/32 chainsaw file will do the job. Just so happens I have one. Now, all i gotta do is get this infernal cast off and I can begin again on modding my BK2 to make it mine. lol. Moose
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Leave the alcohol out of the equation. Just my $0.02 worth. (MUCH easier, even without a cast) lol...
Save the celebratory alcohol for AFTER the jimping is done!
 
Bridgeman said:
Leave the alcohol out of the equation. Just my $0.02 worth. (MUCH easier, even without a cast) lol...
Save the celebratory alcohol for AFTER the jimping is done!
Click to expand...

LOL, gotcha! Moose
 
I sure will, I have been looking at using a small Tri File to make smaller grooves across the top. My handicap is currently holding me back from alot of my crafts. As soon as I get done, I will post. Moose
 
I apologize guys, I have been swamped. I finally got my cast off, but I have had to learn to use my hand all over again. Between my dayjob, my kids, and my sheaths, I haven't had the time, but I still plan on doing it. Moose
 
Look forward to seeing it Moose.

My only complaint about the BK2 is that it could truly benefit from some jimping on the spine. Honestly amazed it was never added as factory standard, but I'm sure there are reasons why.
 
For me, the best jimping comes from a raised area, that has the cut ins. With what I got planned, I will be adding cut ins that will be below the spine line. I'm not gonna go big, but more along the 1/16" cut made with a small triangular file. I started making a guide, but got frustrated when my stupid hand started acting up. That was 2 weeks ago. I gots more stuffed planned than I can do, but this one is gonna get done. I also want to square the spine a bit, so it works *better* with my misch. It works fine now, but it can work better. The patina is coming along nicely. Nightly dinners are helping with that :D.
 
moosez45 said:
I started making a guide, but got frustrated when my stupid hand started acting up.
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What type of guide? That has been kind of stopping me from doing my jimping, I don't want to just get sloppy with a file you know.
 
Widerstand said:
What type of guide? That has been kind of stopping me from doing my jimping, I don't want to just get sloppy with a file you know.
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Well, for me right now, wood is easier to work with, so I'm using some 1/4" walnut slabs that I cut for handles years ago. I clamped them together, evenly, put them in my vice, and started making V knotches using a Tri File. I cut down a little deeper than an 1/8" on my marks where I want my jimps. I got about half way through the whole ordeal, when my hand started cramping, and siezing up. I figured, I would clamp them on either side of the blade, set to where I wanted my depth, and file down until I hit bottom. I used a course file to make the jigs, but will be using a fine file to make my cuts, hoping that it will not eat away at the wood. We shall see. Moose
 
shinank said:
Would you mind sharing your methodology for squaring off the spine? Thanks!
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I recently squared off my RC4, but I had to do some work to the tip anyway, as it had been blunted severely. Its easy, I started by stripping it completely (Jasco), I oiled it up good, clamped it in my vice, using leather buffers. Took a fine flat file, I slowly started to file the spine. It takes a steady hand and patience. Don't get in a hurry, and only remove the metal you need to. I have a mag level bubble that I put on my file, I kept it level and went slow. It too me about 30mins to get enough metal shaving that would make a pile the size of a peanut. Another 30min and I was done. The tip took longer, but I had to remove more metal there. Now, it works great with my misch,and will pick a splinter out no problem. I have some pics up in this thread
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=779502

Moose
 
I have done it on both of my BK-2's. The best results were with a small round diamond file bit (from Harbor Freight) for my dremel tool. Just make sure not to go too fast. I'll post pics soon. I don't have any images of the finished work yet. I'm pretty happy with it. I've heard of other people using chainsaw files (see the guy who did the Landshark BK-2) for their jimping. I started to take a stab at it with one of those, but I was too impatient to take the time it would take using the hand chainsaw file.

Hope that helps. Good luck with it. I think it adds a nice touch (for those who like jimping).
 
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