Anyone modify their handles?

S

SlackStatic

Joined
Nov 17, 2009
Messages
49
I LOVE the feel of my CAK, but feel like the sharpness of the handle will cause it to rip or snag my pack. I basically just want to round the bottom of the handle, and I will be all set.

Anyone done this? How would you recommend going about it?

Thanks in advance for any responses.
 
I'm taking it you mean the edges of the buttcap seem sharp.
It's an easy fix... just file or sand them down a bit and/or use a buffer to smooth them.
 
I filed the endcap of a JKM-1 to keep it from ripping my hand. Just used a file to progressively round it off until it felt fine.
 
I use the soft foam sanding blocks you can get at any good hardware store. Once the sharp edges are gone, I smooth things up with some steel wool.

Andy
 
So you love the feel of your CAK, eh? :jerkit:

Just playing. At any rate, I have altered knives in the past which were too jagged, uncomfortable, etc. It's definitely a good choice to change it to your liking. Like many here are recommending, a file and sandpaper works just fine. If you decide to use power tools, like a belt sander, make sure you use a very fine grit belt... or else you may accidentally take off a bit more steel than intended.
 
In ancient times they swam up close to sharks and used the hide rubbin' to smooth them to fit:)

Me, I use a zirconium flap disc on my bench grinder to customize it:)

Some fit well, some need a bit of smoothin' to feel OK.

:D:thumbup:
Mark
 
I think Greenwoods means the ancients used "Shagreen" a form of wood working sandpaper made from sharkskin. I mean really, go swimming with your CAK? It would rust! In either case go slow. Good Luck.
 
The first CAK I bought..I completely modded the handle, I rounded the back point of the butt cap, and then removed the ring. Overall, I think I need to rehandle the whole dang thing, but its still my monster KUK.
As for the sharp edges..I just got a NICE Sgt Kadka CAK in a couple weeks ago, and it is my favorite right away....BUt, there was some shrinkage in the wooden slabs, so the edge of the butt was pretty sharp, so I smoothed it out...I used my vertical grinder, but I would agree, a sharp file and some 180 grit would work just fine.
 
Thanks guys your awesome!

And yeah I love my CAK that much, but it causes some awful chaffing....... Any Ideas!? ;)

Thanks again gents.
 
SlackStatic said:
Thanks guys your awesome!

And yeah I love my CAK that much, but it causes some awful chaffing....... Any Ideas!? ;)

Thanks again gents.
Click to expand...

I find this only really happens to me when I have a death grip on the kukri... try using the "two finger" method. When getting read to swing, hold the kukri loosely with only your middle finger, pointer and thumb. The kukri should form a ~45 degree angle with your forearm. Only tighten your grip to include all your fingers part way into your swing (no need to put a death grip on it through - the angled butt is going to prevent it from flying out). At the end of your swing, the knife should be more at a 120 degree angle with your forearm. By using this technique, not only are you lessening the shock from the impact but you're also using your wrist as well. By adding one more fulcrum to your swing, you're adding even more speed to the kukri, increasing the force of impact ;)

I grew up in rural Philippines and always used this technique when chopping with bolos. I always thought it to be the instinctive to use your wrist is swings until I got here and found out that most people didn't...
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top