FBM scales - how to remove and reuse?

spyken

spyken

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Apr 29, 2002
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How do you guys remove the FBM scales to do the hand satinizing? will it damage the scales? what is the best way? how do you rivet it back again? hope you can share...

I am thinking of a FBM mod (when I find a cheap user), and drilling some holes in the tang to lighten the weight of the handle, reshaping the handle and to shift the sweet spot over to the front of the blade for true chopping power. I love the milled handles so want to preserve the scales, if possible.

thanks....
 
Do a search under Wicked or Grinducci and you should be able to find their tutorials about rehandling a Busse.

You basically have to drill out the rivets with a 1/4" drill bit and reattach the handles using 1/4 stainless, brass, or nickel silver tubings. Ducci has a set of dies that he uses for flaring the tubes. Wicked and myself use the cutoff screw head method. I am hoping to find some dies one of these days.

BTW, have fun drilling those holes through the handle. It is a real pain in the arse. Just make sure you have a whole bunch of carbide bits along with lots of cutting fluid. And remember to go SLOW. Trying speed things up would only result in chipped or broken bits. I have already broken my fair share of bits drilling through INFI.

FYI, the standard CGFBM is already really blade heavy as are all of the FBMs. I don't think it is really necessary to drill the holes to move the balance forward unless you plan on thinning out the blade.
 
I held a CGFBM once, with mag handles. seemed like the sweet spot was 2 inches away from where I would like it. But I do plan on thinning out the blade....to about 0.188 (3/16") full flat regrind.

I'll do a search...thanks Ban.
 
spyken said:
I held a CGFBM once, with mag handles. seemed like the sweet spot was 2 inches away from where I would like it. But I do plan on thinning out the blade....to about 0.188 (3/16") full flat regrind.

I'll do a search...thanks Ban.
Click to expand...

Yes, the balance point is moved slightly back on the mag handled ones. Especially the heavier G10 mags. Have fun on your quest :thumbup: It will take lots of time and patience.
 
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