Knife Mod

Jeff you got the thick one! I like the balance of the 1/4-inch scales. On the Kat and JK, I like the 3/8-inch thick scales. Different design.

-RB
 
I always put a 22 degree angle at the bolster end of the scales. Maybe I should increase it to 45, but the more you help that cut, the more you hinder the powerful cut where you're gripping the knife in a fist, and using a lot of force at the edge right near your hand. Which, is totaly not doable on any knife with a choil. So it looks like on your Breedens, and your JK's you could do that cut, but on your Rat, the choil would move the work an inch or more from your hand, and you'd loose a lot of power in that cut.
 
Hi Andy. The first two pictures are of a RAT RC-4 and the choil doesn't hinder the cut in any way. I am actually using the choil in those pictures (I think).

I did notice on your Nessmuk you do have a bit of an angle on the handle. I just had it in my hand about 20 minutes ago!

-RB
 
I smoothed out the corners on all my Breedens but not as dramatically as your mod. It was obviously easier with the osage than the G10!

Bear, I noticed on one of your knives you were able to grind part of the pin on the mod. How did that go? My fear in attacking something like that is that the softer material around the pin will dig out.
 
The pins are all pretty soft and I don't have any issues like you mentioned. Good eye, the JK Hiker, Breeden KAT and C.U.B. all are sanded over the pins. Don't be afraid to try it.

-RB
 
bearthedog said:
Hi Andy. The first two pictures are of a RAT RC-4 and the choil doesn't hinder the cut in any way. I am actually using the choil in those pictures (I think).

I did notice on your Nessmuk you do have a bit of an angle on the handle. I just had it in my hand about 20 minutes ago!

-RB
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Yes. for the cut you pictured, the choil doesn't hinder much. But if you were doing a fist grip, push away from you, lot of force cut it would.

Cool to hear you're using the Nessie. Was that enough of an angle, or should I increase it?
 
Nice mod. I think most American knifemakers don't use it because they're not familiar with the chest grip. For that matter, most americans are probably not familiar with it, much less tried it and seen it's usefulness.

I currently can't use that grip due to tennis elbow (causes extreme pain putting force on my arm that way) but when it heals I can easily see myself using it extensively.

I've got a couple of factory knifes that I am going to modify in the same manner.

Thanks for showing us how and why you did it.

Charlie
 
BOOMSTICK said:
nice mod! I did that to a few of my fixed blades also, but what do the knife makers think of that? are they with making them like that already?
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Some of my models are done like that by me, at bears suggestion. The customer can request it on any model.
 
Great mod Bear!

I like the look better and I am sure it is more comfy as well.
 
Great thread, Bear! It's like you read my mind... I just recently discovered the chest lever grip watching some of Ray Mears' videos, and subsequently discovered how uncomfortable that could be on a knife with thick scales. If I can work up the courage to try this, I'll do it to my Breeden Blackwood Bushcrafter. I'm just paranoid I'd mess it up somehow. :o
 
Man. green wood sure does curl nice.

I normally just say screw the grip and lock it in front of my knee. Way easier.
 
Kyp Degal said:
Great thread, Bear! It's like you read my mind... I just recently discovered the chest lever grip watching some of Ray Mears' videos, and subsequently discovered how uncomfortable that could be on a knife with thick scales. If I can work up the courage to try this, I'll do it to my Breeden Blackwood Bushcrafter. I'm just paranoid I'd mess it up somehow. :o
Click to expand...

Try it don't be afraid! It happens at a slow tempo so you can see what you are doing! This is a real easy way to use the tip for whittling without changing body postition.
-RB
 
I've modded a few knives before, but I have never removed more material on one side of a handle compared to the other. When you carry out that mod doesn't that make it more a specialty knife ? I would think you would lose a great deal of function when you hold the hammer grip, not to mention that its not ergonomically unsound.
 
The "Hammer" grip (fist grip) you are talking about, uses all the fingers to hold the knife. There is only about 1/2"-3/4" sanded down so you won't loose any function. I only brought up this Mod because it works great for me in all positions.

hannibal lecter spyderco-I see you are near me. I am in West Covina, CA. Let's hike!

-RB
 
Every time a makers asks for input on a knife I always seem to recommend tapering the scales towards the blade. It's just part of good handle ergonomics. It takes a maker 2 minutes to do and saves you from having to do it yourself.
 
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