- Joined
- Apr 16, 2012
- Messages
- 3,544
I had meant to try this a while ago, but my work space is limited, and the Edge Pro Apex was put away finally. I set up the Dremel Workstation and took a shot at mounting a clip on the lefty side of the Skyline. I love the Skyline, it's just so ubiquitous in the EDC atmosphere. However it's not lefty-friendly really and up until now I just dealt with it.
I removed the G10 scale before doing all of this, and drilled/tapped only the scale, not the whole knife.
All that being said, my attempt was successful (hence the thread), so I figured I'd share my experience and some photos.
Finished product:
I used a #50 wire sized drill bit and a 2-56 tap. Popped the bit into my Dremel using one of the smaller collet sizes from the Collet Nut Kit (part #4485). I picked up the bit and tap on eBay for about $7 or so. Some cheap high speed steel parts, which is more than adequate for tapping G10.
I took this clip from my Echelon that doesn't get much carry time, but I ordered a replacement anyway so that I could put a clip back on it. Eh heh...
Anyway, positioned the clip and just marked the hole spots with a Sharpie, and took care to position the bit's tip right on center before I turned on the Dremel, and checked it the first couple of touches to the G10 while it was on.
Now I didn't have a holder or whatever it's called for the tap, so I did my best to keep it straight. I used a bit of Gorilla Tape to secure the scale down to the Workstation's base with the hole over one of the gaps so the tap would go all the way through consistently and without issue. I used my hand to get the tap to bite into the G10, and the rest of the way I used my Leatherman's pliers to twist it in, grabbing it at the base of the tap's threads. I did this instead of grabbing it at the square back so that the rotation would be more stable, it being closer to the actual contact. I went slowly, and applied downward pressure with my finger on the back of the tap bit.
So now my favorite Skyline (at least until the Bladeforums version comes...) has a lefty carry clip, and it's deep-carry. Yep, I can say it's going to kick the Knockout out of my pocket for a little while. The G10 holds threads just fine, and the fit is tight. STR has a thread on tapping G10 for pocket clip screws, so I have no concern about it holding up. Here is the thread for reference: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/675718-How-well-will-G-10-hold-a-screw
I used the screws from the Echelon, as they're actually shorter than the screws from the Skyline's stock clip. There's about 3-4 layers of tapped thread in the G10 that's unused, so in the extremely unlikely event that these threads weaken, I can put the longer screws on and they'll grab the untouched threads. However, as I said, that's extremely unlikely, since I'm not taking this thing off anytime soon. Here's a pocket view:
If there are any lefties here who would like me to do this to their Skyline, I'd be happy to provided you have the blade, clip, and screws. I just did this to my black/brown Skyline, and got the same great results. Not too hard a procedure, and as a proud lefty I'd be up for helping others. Cheers folks.
I removed the G10 scale before doing all of this, and drilled/tapped only the scale, not the whole knife.
All that being said, my attempt was successful (hence the thread), so I figured I'd share my experience and some photos.
Finished product:
I used a #50 wire sized drill bit and a 2-56 tap. Popped the bit into my Dremel using one of the smaller collet sizes from the Collet Nut Kit (part #4485). I picked up the bit and tap on eBay for about $7 or so. Some cheap high speed steel parts, which is more than adequate for tapping G10.
I took this clip from my Echelon that doesn't get much carry time, but I ordered a replacement anyway so that I could put a clip back on it. Eh heh...
Anyway, positioned the clip and just marked the hole spots with a Sharpie, and took care to position the bit's tip right on center before I turned on the Dremel, and checked it the first couple of touches to the G10 while it was on.
Now I didn't have a holder or whatever it's called for the tap, so I did my best to keep it straight. I used a bit of Gorilla Tape to secure the scale down to the Workstation's base with the hole over one of the gaps so the tap would go all the way through consistently and without issue. I used my hand to get the tap to bite into the G10, and the rest of the way I used my Leatherman's pliers to twist it in, grabbing it at the base of the tap's threads. I did this instead of grabbing it at the square back so that the rotation would be more stable, it being closer to the actual contact. I went slowly, and applied downward pressure with my finger on the back of the tap bit.
So now my favorite Skyline (at least until the Bladeforums version comes...) has a lefty carry clip, and it's deep-carry. Yep, I can say it's going to kick the Knockout out of my pocket for a little while. The G10 holds threads just fine, and the fit is tight. STR has a thread on tapping G10 for pocket clip screws, so I have no concern about it holding up. Here is the thread for reference: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/675718-How-well-will-G-10-hold-a-screw
I used the screws from the Echelon, as they're actually shorter than the screws from the Skyline's stock clip. There's about 3-4 layers of tapped thread in the G10 that's unused, so in the extremely unlikely event that these threads weaken, I can put the longer screws on and they'll grab the untouched threads. However, as I said, that's extremely unlikely, since I'm not taking this thing off anytime soon. Here's a pocket view:
If there are any lefties here who would like me to do this to their Skyline, I'd be happy to provided you have the blade, clip, and screws. I just did this to my black/brown Skyline, and got the same great results. Not too hard a procedure, and as a proud lefty I'd be up for helping others. Cheers folks.
Last edited:
they will send em right out
