Knife kit

[wlifter123]

I’m interested in trying to put together a kit knife. I was thinking the Darrel Ralph DDR-II. I’ve never tried one of these before. How difficult is it? Other than assemble it, what else will I need to do? What kind of tools will I need?

DDR-II

 

[Gabe Newell]

I use a "children's toy" scale: the DDR-II is harder to put together than a Bionicle and easier to put together than a Spybot.

You'll need a Torx driver with a T-6 and a T-8 tip, some method of grinding (a file, disc grinder, belt grinder), and some way of polishing. It's Very Very important to have some air protection like a respirator, especially with CF.

That said, the best resource I'm aware of is the CKD Kit Knife forum. There are some great people and a large library of existing posts on just this subject.

CKD Kit Knife Forum

 

[wlifter123]

Thanks a lot gaben.

-Dan

 

[T. Erdelyi]

Originally posted by gaben
I use a "children's toy" scale: the DDR-II is harder to put together than a Bionicle and easier to put together than a Spybot.
CKD Kit Knife Forum

That's funny, ya mean somewhere near a Barbie Beauty Salon with all the stickers.

 

[ErikD]

I put one of those together not too long ago. As stated you need the torx drivers of proper size. The hardest part was grinding/shaping the scales to fit well. If you take your time and do this right you can get a real nice knife out of the kit.

I would also recommend some type of resperator for use while shaping the scales. Just take your time and make sure you get everything to where you want it. My biggest mistake was rushing it, and making some mistakes because of that. If you think a few steps ahead, and have a plan you should be just fine.

 

[SamuraiDave]

I never have used a resperator, but I use natural materials that I find here and there, and I use no electric tools (All elbow grease). My most common handle, no I forget, My only type of handle is wood usually finished in Birchwood Caseys Tru-oil or superglue.

I have refitted several fixed blades, but no folders. And I consider myself a beginner.

Just so that you know, if you stay "natural" and go slow you can end up with a really nice knife.

No matter what, be careful with the carbon fiber!

 

[Grapevine]

How do you finish wood scales using superglue? Just brush it on?

 

[Darrel Ralph]

I like the rating scale! I have my owe rating for this one.
Its somewhere between figuring out my digital camera (10) and opening a cigar wrapper(1).
Just take your time. It will come out great!
I like the spy bot, Barbie sticker idea.
I was called upon to assemble a baking soda and vinegar rocket the other night. I think that is a 6-7 on the scale? The kit would be a 4 in this rating range!