BK5 Leather Scales and strip-in progress(COMPLETE!3/5/15)

NCSlice

NCSlice

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Feb 22, 2015
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Ok, here it is, got the scales started. I also did a BK14 and 15 but did not show the process since they were already made before I started a thread. That can be seen here: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1265435-BK14-and-BK15-Leather-Scale-Mod
All of the pics have a bit of the righthand side cropped. I guess they're slightly too big. Just click on them if you want the full effect

I started with the remainder of a thrift store 3.99 weight lifting belt



I used backside as the outside part of the scales since the manufacturer logo is pressed in. I used the smooth as the front on the other 2. I wasn't sure how that would turn out but after the fact, it worked out ok.



I traced the scales and cut them out of the leather and a utensil drawer divider tupperware using an old timer sharpfinger that had a broken tip I modified into sheepfoot.



I trimmed outside the lines for it to be slightly larger for shaping and smoothing out the epoxy. Then they were scored with hash mark pattern and epoxied and clamped until cured. Painters tape was used to keep the epoxy off the leather. This really helps when it comes to cleaning and shaping. The leather shapes faster without epoxy all over it.



Fresh off the press.

After a little whittling to shape and glue cleanup. I had marked the lanyard hole for future reference. I haven't decided if I want it yet.



I used a drill press for the screw holes. I did the BK14 and 15 with a hand drill and wasn't really satisfied with the results although the imperfections were easily hid and had no impact on fit and function. These turned out much better.



I picked up these Chicago screws a while back for another project and I do not recall their specs but they're an exact fit for the factory holes. The female goes in with a little pressure. I'm certain if the coating wasn't on it would be an exact fit. After the first cram they go in and out easily.



Becker BK5 rough scales ready for shaping.

A little elbow grease and some 80 grit, they're all shaped up. I used a rubber sanding block for the back and the bottom grip. The scales were removed for the curves on the front and the shaping on the rear. I used a wooden spoon wrapped in 80 grit to shape the inner curves on the grip. Also used a 120 grit sponge to smooth the face.



Now I have to decide on hardware before shaping the palm swell. Countersink holes are needed. I would really like to find these same screws in stainless with hex holes. I really don't want to cut out the hex nuts with the stock style set because its a pita. There's a little ace hardware in a nearby town that has billions of screws. Gotta get there and checkem out. That's where I found these. The lowdepot is really disappointing in their selection.



Stay tuned! Stripping is on the docket for today and hope to make it to the hardware store tomorrow.
I'll keep updating as I go. Please question, comment, and critique. Thanks for looking!

 
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Alrighty then! Gotter in the gunk...

Taped off for under the scales.
Applied the tape, using a razor I cut the top and bottom carefully along the metal. I did one side at a time. Then I attached the scales and cut around them with a razor tracing the front and back curves.



Gave it a good coat of Jasco.
This is my third strip so I tried a bit of a different method. Instead of just gooping it over the knife, I took a paper towel and sorta scrubbed it down with the snot using plenty as I went along. Then gave it a good coat. I'll let it sit about 45 mins then check it...

 
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Rollin on...

Ready?



Looks like it!



Easy enough, until I got to the handle.
Note: painters tape doesn't work too well against Jasco.
ETA: 3/4/15 The kind and more experienced folks here informed me to leave the scales attached with the tape under them. This stops the stripper from migrating under the tape.



Ok, nothing a razor blade can't take care of. I wouldn't try this on the blade area, it did leave a few minor scratches, no big deal. It's a good flat area for scraping. It didn't get into any of the holes so i left that alone. This was my first try at leaving a bit under the scales. Fail, no biggie. After some scraping and a bit of light sanding, I went over with some #0000 steel wool then another soap and water wash, dry, then oiled her up.



I didn't try to dig out the stamps. I'm sure there's Jasco and coating in there. I'm not sure of the long term effect of leaving it there but I'll find out. I like it darker.

I'm really digging the fit of this hardware as well. It needs to be 1/4" or less longer to be really nice. These are aluminum tho. I'm def gonna have another look at the hardware store and provide specs for these. I may even counter sink and fill with wax like I did on the BK15 if I can get them in anything other than aluminum.



So, that's where it is for now, its all about the hardware.



It's been a busy day and I'm satisfied with the progress.
Thanks for checking it out!

 
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I finally decided on hardware. Current hardware:



I don't care for these although they are a wonderful fit, so I used the part I liked the most:D



The soft aluminum was very easy to saw thru.
Nice snug fit:



Finished off with stainless. I'm still not so keen on that aluminum but this is what I got locally. I'll search around on the internet another time for stainless. I did find other useful parts in stainless but the dimensions weren't right. I do not want to alter the knife in case I ever want to go back stock or whatever...



Now it's time for shaping and finishing. Hope to get to that by or before the weekend.

 
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Wow, I am a huge BK5 fan and it warms my heart to see the time, effort and passion you have put into your 5.:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
 
Awesome.

Now do a stacked leather version......

:D

Moose
 
Got some shaping done the past couple days...


Still needs a little touch up here and there. Then it'll be smoothed down and coated in natural bees wax...


I'm going to handle it another day or so to work out any shaping I want to do...


Thanks for looking!
 
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Moosez45 said:
Awesome.

Now do a stacked leather version......

:D

Moose
Click to expand...

Hah, funny... My welding skills aren't up to snuff.
One day I'll give the 1246 a strip and stack, that'd be super sweet.

Yeah, I know...that's for another thread...
 
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SALTY said:
Wow, I am a huge BK5 fan and it warms my heart to see the time, effort and passion you have put into your 5.:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
Click to expand...

Thanks Salty! The 14 and 15 were practice for this one. I am putting more time and effort to get this one nice.
 
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Sooooo,
I rounded up the Becker and some bees wax to finish this guy off...


I made a little cup out of foil and placed it on a burner on low until it was good and melted then used a plumbers flux brush and began applying to the leather. I can only get about 2 strokes per dip before it starts to harden too much to soak in good.



So it's pretty much dip dab dab dip dab dab until fully coated, adding fresh wax to the cup as needed. Then its off to the hair dryer.



Now, I suppose I could've done this step at the same time as the wax was applied but I don't have enough hands and I think splitting it up makes it simpler, plus this is how I did it before and I like the results. I discovered on my first attempt on this type of mod that the wax seemed to harden fast and on top and experimented with the hair dryer and it worked great first try so that's just how I do it. You can see how it heats up both the wax and the leather as it appears to dry up but we all know its soaking in. I scrub the brush around along the way to keep it evened out and to make sure it's soaking in and not puddling up and dripping off...



Fresh off the waxing process. It's still thick and uneven but warm and soft and the knife is very warm keeping the wax workable. A heat gun would work faster but I prefer a hair dryer for no fear of overheating or burning and I think the high heat and slowly bringin the entire thing, knife, scales, wax and all, up to temp slowly works very well. At this point the rest is rubbed in by hand. The natural bees wax is sticky and can be pushed and rubbed in unlike paraffin which would flake and chip off making a big mess.



I got a right nice friction blister in this step but well worth it!



The wax will continue to soak in and migrate deeper with time leaving a smooth surface. I make no effort to buff or polish it off. I get it in deep and smooth but leave a bit at the surface and let it do its thing. It'll also get rubbed in with use. It's slightly sticky to the touch but does not leave your hand sticky.




I really like how these turned out. Using the rough back side makes a difference. It took in much more wax and has a nice look. I'll remake the BK15 scales eventually as I'm not 100% satisfied with the shape or finish. Ironically enough, the tweener was the tween in this project set and I believe the first and last are better.







Thanks to everybody for their kind words and support.
Thanks for looking!

 
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Man, it has been a real pleasure watching the process from start to end, appreciate you sharing, the finished product looks great, i bet it feels good in hand - I am old school and love anything leather, I do wonder if the leather would give you hotspots - like on your thumb, although i would imagine only if repetative chopping was happening.

Anyway mate, excellent work really enjoyed it, great thread.
 
Gassy said:
Man, it has been a real pleasure watching the process from start to end, appreciate you sharing, the finished product looks great, i bet it feels good in hand - I am old school and love anything leather, I do wonder if the leather would give you hotspots - like on your thumb, although i would imagine only if repetative chopping was happening.

Anyway mate, excellent work really enjoyed it, great thread.
Click to expand...

Thanks a lot Gassy, thats very encouraging!
It does feel really good, I can tell the difference in quality from the time, effort, and experience gained from the 15 mod.
It's possible there could be hot spots but I can't tell just from handling it so far, it's very comfortable. That blister was from lots of hard rubbing and pressing for around an hour while spamming M*A*S*H on netflix hehe. I really over did it, also it was hot off the hair dryer and fresh hot wax.
I would like to give it an endurance test one day, although I don't plan on any chopping or such with these blades.
 
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This is very cool. You have done a great job! And the extra added benefit is that if you are ever in a survival situation, you can somehow scrape off some of that beeswax to light a fire. Very nice. :thumbup:
 
Very very nice work! I've used bee's wax for wood and leather and love the way it works in over time. If you ever decide to make a set of these for sale or trade please let me know.
 
Thanks Rk! I'll keep that in mind. I plan on making a new set for the 15 to better match the 5 now that I have more of a process established. I figured on a giveaway of the first set since they're less than perfect. I'll keep ya in mind and keep an eye out as my memory sucks, esp come late Sat night lol
 
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