Beckerhead Knife Making and Modification Thread

In my search to try and find pictures of southeastern knives, I realized that the Seminoles used tomahawks more than knives.

Nevertheless, I will continue this project; I'm looking at doing something like a trade knife.
Mountain-Man-Knife.jpg


Generally it would look like that.
 
That link didn't work for me, but I have a few Chicago screws lying around. Could be done. You just need to know the end goal when you begin the project.
I made the above scales myself out of a neighbor's fallen elm tree. Handle on that trade knife looks slightly easier to shape - except it appears to be hidden-tang.
It's also epoxied and pinned. That can be done, too:


These were stabilized buckeye - hence the different finish.
All depends on your skill level, tools, and willingness to spend the time.

If you're looking to buy some pre-made scales and attach them using alternate screws, it's easy enough to do. May need to enlarge the counterbore if your chosen fasteners have a larger head.
And make sure the body doesn't exceed the size of the holes in the tang. I think it's 3/16" but you'll want to measure specifically on your knife. It's a fairly easy thing to drill larger holes in wood. Not so much in hardened steel. (Not that it can't be done, but your cordless drill and lying-around HSS bits aren't going to cut it.)

Do you have a picture or dimensions for your desired screws?

Okay - tried again.
This time the link worked.
The 3/16" Chicago's look a bit short. And they'd be tough to tighten - only slotted on one side, and the post side doesn't even appear knurled.
The pins I used in the tang on this EnZo are called a Corby Bolt. Once epoxied in place, sand down the screwdriver slots so they look like a straight pin, and fit flush with the handle.
Google search on Corby Bolt and click on one of the knife making supply links - should give an idea of what's out there.

Another thing I'm doing on my 9 is replacing TommyTheWho's supplied barrel-bolt (very Chicago-screw-like) with a Pivot Barrel and 2 screws. Can get a picture tonight.
Doing it this way, you can get just about any color/finish (black, zinc, SS, bronze, brass, copper, Ti) and type (flat, button, round; slot, Philips, allen or Torx) that you desire.
 
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stonewashing:

get a sturdy cardboard tube, slightly bigger than the knife, and river stones. Put stones and stripped blade inside the tube. Make sure both ends are thick enough to avoid the blade from sticking thru; seal them with tape. Give it a shake like if you're mixing a drink that involves a lot of shaking.

Your stonewash is done. Go put a new edge on your knife. Acid before or after if you want a darker look, 50/50 pcb and water is good enough.
 
tjswarbrick said:
The 3/16" Chicago's look a bit short. And they'd be tough to tighten - only slotted on one side, and the post side doesn't even appear knurled.
The pins I used in the tang on this EnZo are called a Corby Bolt. Once epoxied in place, sand down the screwdriver slots so they look like a straight pin, and fit flush with the handle.
Google search on Corby Bolt and click on one of the knife making supply links - should give an idea of what's out there.

Another thing I'm doing on my 9 is replacing TommyTheWho's supplied barrel-bolt (very Chicago-screw-like) with a Pivot Barrel and 2 screws. Can get a picture tonight.
Doing it this way, you can get just about any color/finish (black, zinc, SS, bronze, brass, copper, Ti) and type (flat, button, round; slot, Philips, allen or Torx) that you desire.
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On the top are the black Ka-Bar supplied #10 socket-head bolt and hex nut.
Next is the #10 bolt in a chicago screw.
After that is the #6 barrel bolt and screw provided by TommyTheWho.
On the bottom are the 3/16" pivot barrel and 6-32 stainless button-head philips screws I went with in the end.
I bought screws in 3/8 and 1/2" in black and SS, with button and round heads. There are even more colors, heads and drive types available.

 
Here's the 9, all finished up and dressed for work:










With the rain, it probably won't get a workout this weekend.
 
Nice job on that Niner, TJ. Bold move trimming those scales - but I like how they turned out. I prolly couldn't fit my hand around it.....

WOOD! I am a big fan of it. Especially if you're just starting out with mods - even the really hard species aren't that difficult to shape, most of it isn't toxic....and it doesn't require a huge investment in tools or materials. Plus, IMO it looks great. The BK-11 mod is zebrawood and the 15 is wearing katalox with maple "liners". Made the 11 sheath myself; I was gifted the 15 sheath by our very own NixCustoms. His is WAY better. If you have a local hardwoods place, there are usually bargains galore to be found in the cutoffs bin - and most of it is perfect for knife scales. I've found some super cool figured/exotics for dirt cheap - too small for woodworkers or turners, but still good for a few sets (or more) of scales. I've even had leftovers to gift to friends......

32580765820_797fb714cf_b.jpg
 
Thanks Mike!
I was reluctant to mess with my first set of Tommy scales ( been wanting some for years.) But I think they turned out pretty great. Feel really good in the hand, to me.

That Katalox is some serious wood! I thought it was some kind of composite polymer.
72 lbs per cubic foot and 3660 janka hardness!
 
tjswarbrick said:
Thanks Mike!
I was reluctant to mess with my first set of Tommy scales ( been wanting some for years.) But I think they turned out pretty great. Feel really good in the hand, to me.

That Katalox is some serious wood! I thought it was some kind of composite polymer.
72 lbs per cubic foot and 3660 janka hardness!
Click to expand...

Mike's wood is excellent. Katalox is pretty easy to work if you use sharp abrasives. But it sure loads/burns in a hurry above 180grit when finishing.
 
tjswarbrick said:
Kinda personal, isn't it?
You guys should probably keep that between yourselves...
😜
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Well, my wood is excellent......but we don't keep it between ourselves. I like to spread my wood around. I've given wood to more than a few 'Heads....nuthin' but positive feedback - so you knOw I've got good wood. I....will just stop right there.....before I make a joke about hardwood vs. softwood.
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*inference*
OK. Now I am done.
 
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