Alpha folder question - removing the scales

[Longden]

I saw one of the Alpha folders at the local knife shop and was impressed with how it felt in my hands.

The rosewood scales are real nice too, but I was reading somewhere that they can be removed and replaced with something else, and further, that a common comment was how heavy or bulky the knife was.

My question ... can the rosewood scales be taken off and the knife used "scale-less"? Something like a Sebenza. Has anyone tried this?

Seems like the change would make it more compact and durable.

A smaller version (the "Beta"?) would also be a nice thing for carry amongst the sheeple. Anyone know if Buck has plans for this?

Thanks for any feedback.

- Longden

 

[J Hubbard]

The Weight is within a couple grams of a 110.

The knife scales can be taken off, however, you will have a raised insert used to hold the scales on. One side would be easy enough to remove the inserts, but the inserts on the other side are under the liner lock.

Look for some variations on this line of knives in the near future.

Jeff

 

[Longden]

Thanks Jeff.

I mostly carry a 501MS Squire at work. A 110 (and for sure, the Alpha) would likely cause a stir in the lunch-room when I open the coffee packs.

Big is useful and practical, but smaller gets less attention.

I'll be looking for the Alpha variations in the future. Would be nice if any smaller progeny also had a spacer between the liners so that pocket carriers (like me) don't end up with a gaggle of dimes working their way between the liners (and ending up on the floor when I open the blade).

 

[J Hubbard]

The Alpha I carry at work doesn't cause any stir.. Oh wait, I work in a knife factory.. Never Mind.. But I can understand how it would at most companies.

We don't do a solid backbone spacer because it adds weight and cost. I personally like the open backbones so I don't have to dig all the pocket lint out. Besides I'm married so I usually don't have a dime in my pocket.

Jeff