- Joined
- Nov 29, 2005
- Messages
- 887
I'm interested in anybody's thoughts on a project I'm contemplating. Have recently ordered a knife with a kraton handle, configured about like a standard US military-issue Ka-Bar handle. The pommel is likewise Ka-Bar-like, of the threaded steel rounded disk variety.
I've found Ka-Bar handles (mine have all been leather until now) a little cumbersome in the past: though I have big hands, they're a little wide even for me, and I'm a little nervous that the width could weaken my grip, as it's somewhat easier to get more of my hand around a slightly-smaller handle. Also, I'm thinking that that thick of a handle might make it harder to use for legal concealed carry (I am licensed for this, and am experimenting with equipment.)
I'm thinking about thinning the handle somewhat--probably cutting some kraton from each side of the handle, and then using a bench grinder to turn the pommel disk into something more rounded-rectangle in shape, making it look a little less like an issue Ka-Bar pommel and more like one of Ka-Bar's "Next Generation" metal pommels. I might JB Weld the pommel into place, too, so that time doesn't see the oblong-ground pommel work its way out of alignment with the blade profile.
Your thoughts? I'm especially wondering what methods anyone has found for cutting kraton and leaving it looking decent. Anyone done anything like this?
Oh: intended use is general outdoor utility, but with the possibility of using it for self-defense, sometimes from concealment, going into the mix.
I've found Ka-Bar handles (mine have all been leather until now) a little cumbersome in the past: though I have big hands, they're a little wide even for me, and I'm a little nervous that the width could weaken my grip, as it's somewhat easier to get more of my hand around a slightly-smaller handle. Also, I'm thinking that that thick of a handle might make it harder to use for legal concealed carry (I am licensed for this, and am experimenting with equipment.)
I'm thinking about thinning the handle somewhat--probably cutting some kraton from each side of the handle, and then using a bench grinder to turn the pommel disk into something more rounded-rectangle in shape, making it look a little less like an issue Ka-Bar pommel and more like one of Ka-Bar's "Next Generation" metal pommels. I might JB Weld the pommel into place, too, so that time doesn't see the oblong-ground pommel work its way out of alignment with the blade profile.
Your thoughts? I'm especially wondering what methods anyone has found for cutting kraton and leaving it looking decent. Anyone done anything like this?
Oh: intended use is general outdoor utility, but with the possibility of using it for self-defense, sometimes from concealment, going into the mix.