Filing/Altering Drop Forged Handles

jdk1

jdk1

Gold Member
Joined
Apr 21, 2010
Messages
2,040
So, I was searching for lightweight knives and ended up buying a CS Drop Forged Surivalist:D Impulse knife buys can be a curse. Anyway, I’ve always wanted a Recon Scout, but couldn’t justify the cost vs benefit. I found a DFS at a very good price and figured this would be a cheap and easy way to get into the game.

The knife really isn’t heavy compared to similar knives, BK7, ESEE6, etc. but, the guards are kind of unnecessarily big for a woods knife. I could probably shave an ounce or two as well, not like it’s a big deal, but won’t hurt. Has anybody altered the handles of this series? I assume it can be filed, but I wonder if that’s the best way and how long it would take. I have a belt sander and some 80 grit belts too. I guess I’m looking for ideas and inspiration. Thanks everyone!
 
jdk1 said:
So, I was searching for lightweight knives and ended up buying a CS Drop Forged Surivalist:D Impulse knife buys can be a curse. Anyway, I’ve always wanted a Recon Scout, but couldn’t justify the cost vs benefit. I found a DFS at a very good price and figured this would be a cheap and easy way to get into the game.

The knife really isn’t heavy compared to similar knives, BK7, ESEE6, etc. but, the guards are kind of unnecessarily big for a woods knife. I could probably shave an ounce or two as well, not like it’s a big deal, but won’t hurt. Has anybody altered the handles of this series? I assume it can be filed, but I wonder if that’s the best way and how long it would take. I have a belt sander and some 80 grit belts too. I guess I’m looking for ideas and inspiration. Thanks everyone!
Click to expand...
:) It can be done , but that steel is tough stuff . I've seen them drilled etc ,but I suspect it wasn't easy .

I just took the lazy way out and wrapped with self fusing silicone tape . ;)

 
Thanks Doc! The DFS now comes with handle scales inset in the handle, they also milled out the void in the handle more which lightened it up some. I’m mainly wanting to reduce or remove the top guard, and reduce the bottom some, to make it more friendly to woodcraft.
 
60 grit would hog off that guard even faster. Tape the blade first, it will protect against accidental contact with the belt and it will be safer for you if the edge kicks back. With enough padding you can lock a pair of vise grips mid-blade for better control and improve the blood retention in your fingers.
 
jdk1 said:
Thanks Doc! The DFS now comes with handle scales inset in the handle, they also milled out the void in the handle more which lightened it up some. I’m mainly wanting to reduce or remove the top guard, and reduce the bottom some, to make it more friendly to woodcraft.
Click to expand...
Well I hope that benefits will outweight the risks, as the guards are there for a reason - to keep your fingers safe.
 
Smiling said:
Well I hope that benefits will outweight the risks, as the guards are there for a reason - to keep your fingers safe.
Click to expand...
I'm not sure yet exactly what I'll do. The top guard is there to protect from someone else's blade, I think anyway. No knife fighting for me:D

Honestly, I think I could remove the entire lower guard and still be safe due to the handle shape in the front, but it wouldn't look right. The bottom guard could certainly be reduced and still be plenty large enough though. Ultimately, I may not do anything, but the design of these DF knives leaves an open palette for customization and it's very tempting!
 
jdk1 said:
I'm not sure yet exactly what I'll do. The top guard is there to protect from someone else's blade, I think anyway. No knife fighting for me:D

Honestly, I think I could remove the entire lower guard and still be safe due to the handle shape in the front, but it wouldn't look right. The bottom guard could certainly be reduced and still be plenty large enough though. Ultimately, I may not do anything, but the design of these DF knives leaves an open palette for customization and it's very tempting!
Click to expand...
Different strokes for different folks :D

If you need purley large bushcraft tool then it makes sense. But your knife might look different and not in a good way if you remove both, top and bottom guard. Imagine if it was just blank space between handle and blade.
 
I forget where I've seen this now, but someone skeletonized the handle of a survivalist or bowie by hogging out the thin stuff in the middle. I suppose that can be done with a drill and sanding drum attachment, or file. CS should just skeletonize the handles on these DF knives.
 
dogstar said:
I forget where I've seen this now, but someone skeletonized the handle of a survivalist or bowie by hogging out the thin stuff in the middle. I suppose that can be done with a drill and sanding drum attachment, or file. CS should just skeletonize the handles on these DF knives.
Click to expand...
They should maybe give some variety to people, as some would prefer full handle for sthrenght :D

I know I'm kinda too obsessed with durability :D
 
Smiling said:
They should maybe give some variety to people, as some would prefer full handle for sthrenght :D

I know I'm kinda too obsessed with durability :D
Click to expand...
What are you doing to your handles? :p

Can't beat this for strength, or a GI tanto
IMG-20200406-223210193.jpg
 
dogstar said:
Yeah, a little off topic. I guess my irrational concern is about extra weight. That is why the DF line doesn't really interest me.
Click to expand...
Everyone has their own irrational concern, and that's fine.

Someone is worried about corrosion, someone is worried about edge retention, someone is worried about looks, you're worried about the weight, and I'm worried about durability and eventually safety (as buying knife without a guard is dealbreaker for me).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top