Delta 5 Chute knife

[cutter17]

I may be in the wrong forum and if so then please move to the correct one. Thanks. I have been wanting a fixed blade knife in the 5.0" range for sometime now. I finally went ahead today and ordered the Delta 5 Chute Knife kit from knifekits.com. I did some reading on knifekits forum and these seem to be good using knives. They have AUS-8 steel, a blade length of 5.0" and handle of 4.75" for a 9.75" overall length. Another plus is the thicker blade stock of 3/16". I also ordered a kydex knife sheath kit which will probably prove more difficult to do right than the knife will!! I was between the modern bowie and the chute knife but went with the chute due to the top grind. I also got the cocobolo predrilled scales just to make it a little classy looking! I was looking at some of the knives that have been done and really liked the one without the top bolster. Of course I also liked the ones with the top bolster, and the ones without bolsters!!! Anyone any experience on these? Any one used a completed knife and what you thought of it?

 

[brewthunda]

Here's a Kit knife forum that focuses on the KnifeKits models: http://www.knifenetwork.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=19

I have a spearpoint Delta5 kit that I've been trying to find time to build. Quality seems really good. I've built a couple of knife kits and a couple of kydex sheaths and the kydex is generally a lot easier. Mostly because there are so few steps involved.

Make sure to come back and post pics here when you're done! Good luck.

 

[Mentor]

I'm a huge fan of kit knives, and the Delta 5 models are among my favourites. I have a drop point and a spear point, and I've found them to be enjoyable to put together and of a high quality. Some advice: if you plan to use the knife regularly, you may want to consider thinning the bolsters, or at least tapering them and rounding them off. I assembled one Delta 5 with the bolsters at close to full thickness, and while the finished product looks nice, it is quite heavy and 'clunky' in the field. On my drop point model, I removed the rear guard and added some thumb serrations, as well as thinned and tapered bolsters - the finished product is much more functional, and nicer looking to boot.

Here's a few shots of my spearpoint as it was nearing completion:

The arctic skinner from knifekits.com is a sleeper hit, in my opinion. It is extremely comfortable, has a strong tip, and slices like a razor. It's also a great deal easier to complete than models with bolsters, which makes it a good stepping stone. I've also completed the Gentleman's Companion and Sensei models, both of which were a blast.

cutter17 - I agre with you on the sheath part. It's much easier to 'dive in' to knife assembly than it is to get started with sheath making. Once you have a few sheaths under your belt (pun intended!), it will become a lot easier, though.

Have a blast with the kit. I predict it will not be your last.

- Mike

 

[cutter17]

Hey brewthunda, thanks for the info.:thumbup: This will be my first ever knife kit, but I feel up to the task of completing it. It helps to have access to different tools!

Thanks Mentor! I'll bet it won't either! Already thinking about the bowie without a back bolster! Unfortunetly, I can not see your pics, but I'll bet they are nice!

 

[Simon Yu]

What tools do you folks recommend having to work on one of these? I've wanted to get ahold of a fixed blade in this length range AND I could use something to occupy some time over summer break, but being a comp sci major doesn't really avail you to stuff you'd often want for working with metal.

Similar query about what should be gotten to make sheathes.

 

[Mentor]

Well, if you're looking to put together a kit knife with bolsters that are pinned on, you need:

- a peening hammer
- an anvil or similar metal surface
- epoxy
- sandpaper of various grits
- and some means of doing small grinding / cutting / sanding / drilling work. A variable speed Dremel with a selection of cut-off wheels, sanding drums, grinding surfaces, and drills would be ideal. Theoretically, you could get away with sandpaper and files, but you'd be in for the long haul.

of course, a respirator or mask and some eye protection is well advised.

If you plan to get further into the hobby, then a good grinder and belt sander are invaluable. Jig saws, rasps, and drill presses are essential if you're not using pre-cut and shaped handle scales. Once you go all-in, a shop vac or similar dust collection system is a good purchase.

As for sheath making, there are some good tutorials out there that list the necessary tools. I recommend checking out NorthCoast knives tutorials, here. Never, ever use your oven for kydex work when there is even the slight possibility that your wife will be coming home.

Cheers,

- Mike

 

[Boozoo Chavis]

I haven't worked with any of the knifekit.com fixed blades yet but I can certainly vouch for the the quality of their folders. The have an excellent fit and finish. Here's a picture of three of their folders I made up for Christmas presents last year. (handles are paduak wood, cocobolo, & micarta) The AUS-8 blades are cryogenically treated and take a razor sharp edge and holds it very well.

Sun-Yu-Cutter 17 will have to tell you what you need for a fixed blade but if you decide to do a folder you can actually get by with as little as just sandpaper, (400, 600, 1200, 2000 grits) a set of Torx wrenches, (set of Husky Torx Wrenches, $4.95 at Home depot) and a drill. Optional tools that really help are a 1" belt sander, dremel tool and a step drill bit that knifekits sells.

 

[rebeltf]

I like what you did with those folders Boozoo. I only have experiece with their folder kits , oh which I am on my 12th , I think , sort of lost count.
At any rate the kits are pretty darn good especially for the price.
A rule of thumb with those kits , even the fixed blades are to make sure everything fits nice and tidy (F&F) before final assembly.
Last kit I did was a slipjoint that I worked very hard on (filework , very nice scales , mirror polish) only to find out once I had peened the pins, I had put the blade on the wrong side.... hehe lesson learned.
Good luck.