CG FBM Mag G-10 Handle Mod Pictures (lots)

[J85909266]

I got my FBM a while back after some grief. Some of you may remember the thread I made when I finally got it. Anyway, I've been using it a lot. I've really beaten on this thing, and through my beatings, I realized that the handles were absolutely devastating to my hands. The texture carved into the slabs were like a chainsaw on my thumbs.

Anyway, I called the shop and asked about some options for getting a smooth handle, but I had no interest in turning it into a custom piece, so I decided to take it upon myself. It took almost four hours with breaks. I only used 120 grit sand paper and my hands. I used a sanding block on some of the flats on the handle once I realized one was available, but it was mostly all by hand. I'm really pleased with the results.

Here are the pictures:

Here is is brand new, no mods:

Here with a lot of use, still no mods:

Up close of the blade:

After the handle mod:

Other side:

Closer:

Up close:

And the old way they looked up close for comparison:

It feels 1000x better. I couldn't be happier.

 

[MORIMOTOM]

wow! looks great!!!

 

[THE BARON]

Looks sweet...

Did you just simply sand away at the handles??

Did it improve grip at all or just remove the blistering effect while using it??

 

[Lil' Foo]

Looks great!

Maybe I should do that to one of my canvas mag FBMs.

 

[J85909266]

Looks sweet...

Did you just simply sand away at the handles??

Did it improve grip at all or just remove the blistering effect while using it??

Yeah, I just focused on the CNC texturing on the slabs and sanded it all away, being careful not to alter the actual shape of the handle. It's still very contoured, and doesn't feel any thinner than it did before I smoothed the scales.

The grip is much, much more comfortable and isn't any less secure than it was before. Even with the aggressive pattern on the handles, my hands would slide all around during heavy chopping and the texture would just tear my hands up. It's much nicer in use now. I can even hold onto it better because of the lack of irritation during use.

If anybody has a G-10 model that is giving you problems, I really recommend this treatment.

 

[pbubsy]

Sweet! Nice job

 

[Ken44]

Those really look great!!!
Think anyone's started sanding yet

 

[WILLIAM.M]

great idea!!!!

 

[ColdOne]

Wow! Great job!

What did you use for respiratory protection though? A word of caution to anyone else thinking about having at it, G10 powder and dust from being worked is EXTREMELY dangerous to your respiratory system. (Think microscopic glass particles getting sucked into your lungs) So wear a high quality mask and be careful! If you would rather not, please contact me for info on adding me to you will as "executor of the Infi"

 

[nick681]

Very nice !! It looks like a custom job to me.:thumbup:

 

[J85909266]

Wow! Great job!

What did you use for respiratory protection though?

I did it outside with a good breeze going and one of those wood shop masks on. Nothing expensive, just a little white cardboard thing. Was I not cautious enough?

 

[tsiloics]

Very nice!

 

[Jeepnut22]

Man, that looks sweet! Great info on how it felt before and after as well...

Thinking maybe a dremel tool, used carefully, could make short work of the main bumps, then break out the sand paper and finish it off by hand...

Hrmmmm...

 

[ColdOne]

I did it outside with a good breeze going and one of those wood shop masks on. Nothing expensive, just a little white cardboard thing. Was I not cautious enough?

Sounds like you took precautions! I would recommend washing your clothing too.

You are basically sanding fiberglass and need to take the same precautions. Fiberglass powder double and a nice itching powder. And will irritate your lungs, eyes and skin.

 

[ColdOne]

Once again though saying all that, the finished product looks amazing and very FBM proto-ish!

 

[GarySoneji]

Whoops, i'm on my friends computer, didn't see he was signed in.

 

[J85909266]

Sounds like you took precautions! I would recommend washing your clothing too.

You are basically sanding fiberglass and need to take the same precautions. Fiberglass powder double and a nice itching powder. And will irritate your lungs, eyes and skin.

I will wash my outfit tonight. Thanks for the advice.

Here's a shot of the spine, showing that the shape of the handles is still intact:

 

[ColdOne]

Whoops, i'm on my friends computer, didn't see he was signed in.

I was going to say something, but didn't want to draw attention to it... If your friend brings out any cinder blocks, hide your blades!


(actually, that whole things was the final breaking piont for me to hope on the infi-wagon! Jerry demonstrated again how much his service and his knives rock!)

 

[Ban]

Looks Good to me :thumbup:

Thanks for sharing. I will try this on my next project on a big knife.

I really dig the smooth texture. The machined grooves look cool and all but for long term use smooth is the way to go.

 

[Greg45]

I had thought about doing this after I saw the shots of the Proto FBM scales, but didn't want to really change the overall shape of the grip. It's good to know the shape remains! I need to get to work... thanks for the pics & great job, guys! :thumbup: