Aftermarket blades

blade_420

blade_420

Joined
Jan 15, 2001
Messages
2,353
I think that there will soon be an aftermarket for blades for these newer balis.
Much as MER is making new handles for blades, I think that we, as a group need to find, or fill the nitch in the market for, an aftermarket blade supplier.
Someone that can make your dreamblade for your SWAT-Microtech-Benchmade handles.
If I am correct, the handles are the hardest to fit, especially the latch lockup, (tang pins...;))
It looks like Microtech can't warranty the knife if it's taken apart, much like the Benchmade, and I don't blame them.
But if you want to "void your warranty" and "customize" your bali, I think that there are enough of us to keep someone in a living making blades for bali handle sets we already own.

Let me know your thoughts...
 
Well I was saving this as a surprise, until I get the blade in hand, but guess it's close enough to let it out. I've already gotten Bob Lum to commit to making 3 blades for me, to fit the BM handles (much like what Mr. Simonich did for Chuck). Unfortunately, the tang pin is still part of the blade making process ;)

As for your suggestion, I don't see why not. If the user is willing to forgo the warranty, then the company has no say in what is being done to the knife.
 
You're right blade_420 in that after market blades can be fitted to existing handles. In the case of the Benchmade it might be necessary to have the specific handles for each specific blade in order to obtain a precise fit. I'm not certain how consistent the dimensions of a given set of handles would be compared to another set of the same handles (I have four 42's but don't want to take them all apart to find out). The cost might exceed the price of a new knife, with the exception of the Tachyon. What I'm saying here is that it might not be possible for a maker to make a run of say ten blades and ship them to different customers for customer installation, at least in the case of the Benchmade. Any set of handles can,of course, be fitted with an aftermarket blade. It's a fun concept.
 
Hopefully by next Spring I'll be able to provide the complete knife, blade and all. My Christmas present to myself is going to be a belt grinder and I've already been in touch with Paul Bos who is a heat treating guru and gotten pricing. I'll definitely post something as the time gets closer. I am currently working with a tool maker friend of mine and will have a CNC program for my handle blanks very soon. This will take care of the bulk of the repetitive work like milling the tapers and slots which is a real time consumer. I will take care of the style (skeletonized, inserts, etc.) myself and the finishing. The quality will definitely not go down and they will still be hand finished.

Eric
 
Thanks for the update.., I was thinking a CNC program would have to be in the near future, or you'd never sleep again :(


"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
 
Mer, great news! Now that i've held and own a pair of your handels you can be sure i'll be ordering a blade from you down the road! Keep up the great work and keep expanding your product like this and you'll be in great shape. Geez, this is such a great hobby!!
 
....and yes...after market blades would be -fun- :)


"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
 
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