HOG B8 custom Handle update!

Boss1911

Boss1911

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I have wanted to try replacing the Res handle on my HOG B8 with a 2 piece handle with one side cut out to fit the tang tightly. I'm thinking Micarta or possibly Desert Ironwood and I'll probably try to fit a brass guard. I think I can use the existing lanyard hole for tube or pin and maybe run a few small pins through the micarta like some Coffin handle Bowies have. I have access to a well equipped machine shop so I can probably get a extra hole drilled into the tang if necessary.
I'm just worried about damaging the Res handle while removing it and then finding out the Micarta idea won't work.
Has anyone tried such a foolish endeavor?

Before you start asking Why would you do this? Res handles are great...
I don't disagree, but the Basic handle feels a little small in my hands. But the main reason for this project is It will look cool ... If it works.
 
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I have not personally done this but I've seen a fair number of instances of others doing this and they simply drilled out the tube rivet and were able to remove the handle without issue. Never heard of anyone having damaged the handle when doing this. Rivet was drilled out, handle removed, blade stripped and/or polished, then the handle reinstalled with a new tube rivet and everything was good to go. So I'd think you'd be safe to go for it. Should slide right off once you give it some bumps from the guard side and get it moving I'd sure think.
 
It's certainly been done. I've trimmed Res-C in the past & it cuts very readily. (finger guard of top knife in picture)

1000059230.jpg

So I'd recommend cutting/scraping off as much of the rubberish Res-C as you can, then either use sandpaper to abrade off or slather on chemical paint type stripper to dissolve off the thin film of Res-C that may still be clinging to the tang.
ETA: After reading The Knife Life's method, I'd concur that's the better way to go. Thanks TKL for the good tip.

Good luck with the project and be sure to post pics of the finished unit.
 
I think you'll find a prize inside. If I remember correctly, and we waited a long, long time for it, the Res-C handles are molded for X dimensions, and I think some extra machining had to be done that was slow, but it was also popular as hell. It's a log splitter man! On the other hand, I'd love me some custom handles and play a little with mine so, no stones thrown from me :D
If I had to guess, I want to say, 8 months from order? It was crazy in that period. Like the FMV8, I think they made those for 6 or 8 months day and night, polished too 😁
 
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Leonardo63 said:
I think you'll find a prize inside. If I remember correctly, and we waited a long, long time for it, the Res-C handles are molded for X dimensions, and I think some extra machining had to be done that was slow, but it was also popular as hell. It's a log splitter man! On the other hand, I'd love me some custom handles and play a little with mine so, no stones thrown from me :D
If I had to guess, I want to say, 8 months from order? It was crazy in that period. Like the FMV8, I think they made those for 6 or 8 months day and night, polished too 😁
Click to expand...
Here's the original announcement from Jerry:
Jerry Busse

Thread 'Heavy Ordnance Grade Basic 8 . . . HOGB8 . . . Specs, Pricing, & Pics!!!'

The demand for an overfed, Heavy Ordnance Grade (HOG) Basic 8 (B8) has been fueled for years through an ongoing thread of well over 10,500 posts on the Busse Combat Forum on Bladeforums.

The biggest problem with this request is that our large Basic style Resiprene C handles were designed around a .235" thick tang! This restriction made stuffing a .350" thick tang into them impossible. We couldn't just make a thicker tang because it would, in turn, make the sidewalls of the Resiprene C handle drastically thinner.

So, we solved the problem by milling the tang...
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I haven't pulled the handle yet but I don't think the extra milling of the tang would prevent someone from fitting a hidden tang micarta 2 piece handle, eventually. I'm sure it will take some time to get it right. Sounds like a great winter project.
 
You could call or email Garth and ask if there’s anything about the reduced tang that might present a problem. Would love to see photos of the tang once you get the handle off.👍
 
All basics will look like these under the handle, all are radiused


B11
XH9fJGr.jpg


The left is a B9
n7cvZkK.jpg
 
Thank you for the pictures. They reinforce my thought that this project is doable. I know in the end the knife won't really be any better than the way Jerry made it but the handle is a little bit small for my mits and I think it will look cool... I'll take a lot of pictures and post updates as I go.

Thank you everyone...
 
Definitely doable. You may have to use the rear talon hole as the securing point and create a new talon hole in the micarta. Thats how I would do it.
 
Detailed update, I'm trying to post this as I go so please Skip to the end if you're not interested in the details.
I drilled out the flared tube and removed the factory handle. I don't think the factory tube was stainless, it drilled out really easy but I was using a new Carbide 1/4" drill bit.
20241103_175554.jpg
 
So this is what we're looking at... It has enough room to put any handle I would ever want. I'm just not sure what I want 🤔
 
Great minds think alike... I think the shape will work but I don't have a extra regulator handle. I really like the shape so I may base a handle on the regulator shape. I'm also thinking about the Library Heart and BURP style handles.
20241103_192704.jpg20241103_192526.jpg
 
WOW! Great photos! That pic showing tang thickness of .244” is fantastic! Thanks a million for taking and sharing that. Is the tang .244” thick all the way back to the butt? Hard to tell for sure if the thickness is uniform.
Thanks again!
 
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