Anyone ever skeletonized an ESEE/RC-3 handle?

Joben

Joben

Joined
May 22, 2009
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I had been meaning to ask about this for a while but forgot.

jforbush's pics of the pink 3 reminded me. I'll borrow it for illustrative purposes, because I don't have one of mine with the scales off.

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Look at that, that's some pretty big expanses of flat steel, compared to say the Izula and HEST handles, which are mostly empty in the middle.

One could drill some holes to remove material.
Might be able to reduce the weight an ounce or two, and move the balance point forward a bit. I've never entirely liked the fact that that it balances between the first and second screws.

What do you guys think Good idea, Bad idea? Do you think it would compromise the strength of the knife?
 
Big areas yes, but of pretty thin steel. I don't know that it would make all that much of a difference. The whole, effort vs. return thing would also come into play, thats alot of drilling through hardened steel for a few ounces of weight savings.
 
i've seen some makers that have the waterjet renove some area under the scales, between the bolt/pin holes. but that's done at the same time as the profile and doesn't cost any extra.

to do it post production and on a hardened blade? doesn't seem like it would be worth it.

combine that with what was mentioned above, that smaller blades ballance better when slightly butt heavy... uhhhh o'm not sure you'd be caining much for a lot of work.

if the scales were not removable, nobody would worry about it.

it's your blade, you can do what you want, but i wouldn't worry about it.
 
I personally wouldn't do it. I don't really think they are that heavy as is, and I like the balance where it is. I would also not use such a small knife to chop something.
 
Good luck trying to lighten it.

I tried carbide drills... err... no, not actually carbide. But I tried a HSS drill bit, and a cobalt drill bit. Two bits, down the drain. Carbide worked, but it was a bear. And it was a small drill bit. Had to get sanding drum on my Dremel to get the hole any bigger. By the time I finished, one large hole, one small hole, and I couldn't really tell the difference. Don't bother. :thumbdn:
 
rockspyder said:
Good luck trying to lighten it.

I tried carbide drills... err... no, not actually carbide. But I tried a HSS drill bit, and a cobalt drill bit. Two bits, down the drain. Carbide worked, but it was a bear. And it was a small drill bit. Had to get sanding drum on my Dremel to get the hole any bigger. By the time I finished, one large hole, one small hole, and I couldn't really tell the difference. Don't bother. :thumbdn:
Click to expand...

that's gotta be a GREAT testimony to these blades!

FWIW, I like mine the way they come, but hey...the drill bit manufactures will appreciate the business! :)
 
Could be done fairly easily, but a drill is right out the window. A Bridgeport, a 1/2 inch and a 1/4 inch carbide end mills, could make a fixture out of an aluminum block and some Carr Lane clamps.

Simple.
 
i agree that for the amount of labor it isnt worth the weight savings. it is fairly light as it is IMO.
 
Jess67 said:
Could be done fairly easily, but a drill is right out the window. A Bridgeport, a 1/2 inch and a 1/4 inch carbide end mills, could make a fixture out of an aluminum block and some Carr Lane clamps.

Simple.
Click to expand...

Yeah, simple. :rolleyes:
But not easy. :D
 
Jess67 said:
Could be done fairly easily, but a drill is right out the window. A Bridgeport, a 1/2 inch and a 1/4 inch carbide end mills, could make a fixture out of an aluminum block and some Carr Lane clamps.

Simple.
Click to expand...

Jess67 said:
Never said easy.;)
Click to expand...

Technically, you did. ;) Or at least that is what I thought you were saying. But that's splitting hairs, and I'm just ribbing you.

But either way, I think you and I are both on the same page here. :) :thumbup:
 
Ok, yeah, easy if you have the requisite skill set, and access to the tools. (I have both)

But really not worth the effort, for so light a knife anyway.
 
How much steel could you take out without compromising the strength of the tang? I have seen some custom knives in the works and there were lots of holes drilled to balance the weight. Curious George here....:confused:
 
Aha...regardless of the dubious potential improvement...it seems that i don't have tools equal to the task.
I hadn't reckoned on how hard the material was.

Thanks for all the input everyone.
 
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