BK2 Stripped, Jimped, Patina'd and My new Belt sander + Becker sword update

E

europeanoutdoorsman

Joined
Feb 25, 2011
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Winter in Easter Europe has been worse than last year. So, what was a guy to do?

I started a project with my BK2. I stripped it, slightly sanded down a curve into the spine, added jimping, and then put it into coffee for a patina. I bought the LAST set of micarta scales from Tomars, so that is why they may be back ordered at just about every shop...sorry guys! Now, I am just waiting on my kydex materials. I'd love to win an Azwelke sheath, but in case I don't I will be making my own. Al is just much better at it than me.

I also got a new belt sander 'cause the motor of my other one died. I have the blanks coming for the swords ( I had a water jet service cut the blanks, cause I can't recreate the shapes by hand)... So, some fun mod, experiments are in order...Here are some pics. BTW, the last photo has a part of an Azwelke BK7 kydex sheath. Highly recommended!

I finished off the BK2 edge with 1 micron DMT dia paste...

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Looks really well done. Did you file the jimping? It's some of the best I've seen.
 
^^^+1

The jimping is really nice. If you did that by hand, I'm totally in awe. If not, still pretty sweet. :thumbup:
 
Thanks everyone for the nice comments.

AlexWitte,
I used my DMT 3 stone sharpening kit. Also, something that can't be seen, I thinned out the blade just a hair, the Jerry Fisk way. I used those DMT stones and it has about 17 degree angle. I didn't have any issues with it on my BK9 and 7 when I was chopping and using those 2 knives, so I figured the BK2 could handle it. I finished it off on a Flexxx strop with Bark River compound. I had DMT paste and so I thought I'd use it to finish off. It does work faster than the bark river stuff, but it is also pricer, both of those compounds are excellent.

The sander is nothing special. It is a 650 watt Gude (German model) belt sander. It has European measurements, but the belt is about 4 inches across. I haven't had time to use it because it came during the week and well work, family and all that good stuff. I have a Tatang I want to modify, so I might work on it this weekend.

Rkmoore,
Yes it was done by hand with a file.

mrn8,
I used a 30 lpi checking file to do the jimping and a vice to hold the knife.

Thanks again everyone!
 
Thanks again, by the way, I forgot to include the details about the Becker swords. Ethan didn't do these, I just had a sword thing goin on and I love the handle design, so I thought I'd start a project. I don't have a bandsaw that can cut metal, and so around here one of those goes for around 2,000 euro. So, I found a water jet cutting place and they will be cutting 4 blanks (2 swords and 2 knives). The dimensions are as follows:

5160 steel, 13.5 inch blade ( I asked Toooj already if they considered swords, he of course told me about the 14" limit on blades), over all length 21 inches, 1/4" thick. The choil is 1 inch wide. I will put black micarta on for the handles and use some concealex for a sheath. Basically, the grind lines will be the same as a BK5, just larger. Should still be weight forward.

I like 5160 the best for fixed blades. One of these short swords will be given to my dad, the other is mine. The knives are a separate issue. One is going to a friend and one is mine. So, until I receive the blanks, here is a drawing of what the guys over at the CNC shop have to work on...

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mrn8 said:
Looks really well done. Did you file the jimping? It's some of the best I've seen.
Click to expand...

I agree. The overall package looks very classy, yet maintains Becker ruggedness.

The jimping looks professionally done, and jimpin' ain't easy.
 
The jimping is really really nice. Good Job! I wish I had the patience and the attention to detail to do something like this for mine.
 
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