I Finally Found a Plain Edge ATR Titanium

[FullerH]

I had not bought an ATR, even though the titanium version had interested me because I am not overly enchanted with tip-up carry. But I haver been carrying a MicroTech LCC manual that is also tip-up and am becoming sufficiently accustomed to it that I decided to buy a Titanium ATR in plain edge. The problem was that Spyderco had discontinyed the knife, so finding one became something of a problem. I did find one at Oso Grande Knives in California, who apparently have some more.

The knife is quite nice and very smooth and light to carry. My only concern is the sharp edges of the holes in the scales. Has anyone tried to do a bit of relief around these? How does it work? How would one go about it, as I have never worked with titanium before?

I love the blade shape and the edge. It is actually rather similar to my favorite Spydie, the Spyderco/Terzuola StarMate, save for the little hump on the nose.

 

[SIFU1A]

the ATR is certainly my fav spydie of all.

have never modded mine, am almost tempted to have the 1 guy on the forum wave it though, have seen pics of an ATR he waved an it look pretty well done, i like the holes the way they are though i can grip it better.

i like the blade shape also, its diff though.

i woulda never bought 1 but got a SS 1 in a swap, and liked it so much i had to have the Ti, now i have 2 lol.

 

[The Deacon]

Assuming that once the blade is open there is nothing else you might hit, I'd think a ball shaped grinding stone in either an "eggbeater" style hand drill or a variable speed electric at low RPM would do the trick. Can tell you they work well on blade steel, and that it does not take very much to smooth out the rough edges of a thumb hole.

For the record, I am well aware that the slight roughness of the thumb holes is intentional, and that Sal believes it aids in opening the knife.

 

[FullerH]

Deacon, it isn't so much the opening hole as it is the holes in the scales that bother me.

 

[The Deacon]

Deacon, it isn't so much the opening hole as it is the holes in the scales that bother me.

I understand that Hugh. Thing is, I have no personal experience smoothing the edges of round holes in titanium scales. I do, however have a fair amount of experience smoothing the edges of round holes in hardened blade steel using the method I described, and found that to be fairly easy to do. For that reason, I was opining that it should work on round holes in titanium scales as well. My last disclaimer was meant to save Sal or anyone else the need to remind me that doing what I do to thumb holes is NOT reccommended. I don't imagine that would be an issue with the holes in the ATR handle.

Will just add that the grinding balls, at least the ones I've seen come darkish grey and medium brown, find the grey, which is a bit finer abrasive, works best for me.