Anyone know how to remove the thumb studs on a Hogue ex01?

Brummie

Brummie

Joined
Jan 13, 2007
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Anyone know how the thumstuds on the Hogue folders are put in place. They appear to be wider than the hole in the blade, so I don't think it is just a single piece that has been pressed into a hole. So I guess they are probably formed from two pieces that are screwed together, but there is no obvious way to get any purchase to unscrew them.

I am asking because I am wondering how I can remove them without messing up the blade. I would like to remove the thumb studs and then grind out a thumb hole, cos the thumstuds can't get in the way of cutting thick material.

Suppose I could just drill through the studs from one side, but I don't know if there is an easier way (particularly as I only have a hand-held drill, not a drill-press.

Anyone with any experience of removing these of similarly constructed thumb studs?
 
Unless you have a carbide bit you will not be able to drill out a hole, even with there being one to begin with, in hardened steel. Carbide bits are very expensive to begin with and you would probably have to go in small steps up to the desired hole diameter want with a different carbide bit each time. You could end up with more money in the bits than in the knife!

If you have a metal shop nearby they may be able to provide you with what you need by doing the job for you. Just be aware that doing this would create a lot of heat, that will envelope the entire blade, unless it is cooled as the drilling takes place, and could very well ruin the temper of your blade.
 
Go over to the "toxic green" website, there's a Hogue forum there and Allen Elishewitz (EX01 designer) can answer all your questions... nothing better than getting good advice directly from the source.

Hope this helps.

/dusty
 
Thanks for the pointer on the USN forum.

Just to clarify, I know I can't drill through hardened steel, but not sure if the thumstuds are hardened or not. Once into the blade steel, then I would use a grinding head on a dremel, spraying down with water often to keep the blade cool. Could just start off using the dremel on the thumstuds, but worried that I'll end up slipping off the studs and scratching up the nice blade.

Thanks.
 
That slipping with a dremel can be a problem and I have experienced it.

Do you have a machine shop close by. This was what I meant when I said metal shop. The folks at a machine shop would probably have the tools to do this. I'm thinking that the studs are press fitted, but if you are going to grind them off anyway, I would use two vice grips, one on each stud, and then try to twist them off. If they are screwed in that should break them loose, and if not, then they are probably one piece.

I would like about your progress on this mod. Keep us informed!
 
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